josely.labarrere@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Boyle County residents are still suffering through frigid cold temperatures and large-scale power outages as the area is gripped by the season’s first major winter storm. Due to the unsafe conditions, Boyle County Emergency Management has opened a warming center at A Gathering Place, 569 Jean Drive, to assist those impacted by power outages and freezing weather.

Officials said the warming center will stay open at least through 8 a.m. on Jan. 10, but hours will be extended if weather conditions don’t improve. It’s open to anyone who needs a warm, safe place to escape the bone-chilling temperatures and icy roads.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for much of Kentucky, as freezing rain, sleet, and snow continue to affect the region, the National Weather Service said. The ice accumulation on trees and power lines has contributed to widespread damage and treacherous travel conditions, as well as many power outages throughout the state, officials said.

Inter-County Energy Cooperative posted to its social media page Sunday evening that more than 1,100 members are still without power, most of them in Boyle County and surrounding areas. The utility said crews were working 24/7 to restore service but that ice-covered roads and dangerous conditions were making the restoration process take longer.

“We are continuing to assess outages throughout our service territory, and our crews are working as efficiently and safely as possible,” Inter-County Energy stated on its Facebook page. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this hazardous winter storm.”

In a similar vein, LG&E and KU Energy had updates on their social media pages encouraging residents to avoid any downed power lines and to treat all wires as energized and dangerous.

“Always assume any downed wire is an energized power line. Stay away and call us immediately,” LG&E and KU advised in a post. The utilities provided emergency contact numbers and reminded residents: “Never attempt to remove tree limbs or other objects from power lines.”

Those who are affected by power outages should call Inter-County Energy’s 24-hour outage line at 1-888-266-7322 to report them, officials say. LG&E and KU Energy customers can also report outages through the utility’s mobile app or by calling 502-589-1444 (LG&E) or 800-981-0600 (KU/ODP).

With dangerously cold temperatures in the forecast throughout the week, Boyle County Emergency Management is requesting help from the community to keep the warming center open. The center needs volunteers to help staff it, and residents are asked to sign up for shifts.

“Our priority is to provide a safe, warm place for anyone who needs it,” said a county official. “We urge residents to make use of the warming center, especially those who are experiencing prolonged power outages.”

The National Weather Service in Louisville said the storm would be expected to produce more ice accumulation through Monday afternoon, and that there was high confidence that hazardous conditions would persist. State officials warned that more outages and tree damage are expected as the storm continues to pass through the region.

Both Inter-County Energy and LG&E/KU Energy continue to post regular updates related to power restoration efforts on their websites and social media pages. Residents can begin reporting and tracking outages by downloading the LG&E and KU app and checking out Inter-County Energy’s social media pages for updates.

Officials are advising people to stay inside and stay off icy roads unless they have to go out. If you see a downed wire, keep your distance and call your utility provider right away.

For more information on the warming center or to volunteer, go to the Boyle County Emergency Management website or their social media pages for updates.

Power Loss Reporting Contacts

Inter-County Energy Cooperative: 1-888-266-7322

LG&E: 502-589-1444 (Fast Path 1-1-3)

KU/ODP: 800-981-0600 (Fast Path 1-1-2)

Safety Reminder:

If you encounter a downed power line, avoid it and call it in immediately. Do not try to take limbs or other debris off power lines. Visit lge-ku.com/blair for additional safety information and storm updates.