WHITLEY CITY — Though McCreary County escaped much of the havoc wreaked by heavy snow in Eastern Kentucky and along the Atlantic seaboard, Friday evening still proved a nightmare for local travelers.
Dangerous conditions in the wake of major winter storms in Central and Eastern Kentucky led Gov. Steve Beshear to declare a State of Emergency Saturday morning, enabling the mobilization of state resources to assist impacted communities. The heavy snow resulted in broken trees, road closures, stranded motorists, flooding, public and private property damage and power outages to approximately 106,000 customers. Weather
radar indicates potential localized snowfall amounts of up to 16 inches.
McCreary County averaged five inches of snow along with 1.4 inches of rain.
“If all the rain had been snow, it would have totaled 14 inches,” McCreary County Emergency Management Director Rudy Young stated.
As it was, weather conditions caused more than 20 minor vehicle accidents into Friday night as well as several school buses stranded throughout the county.
One accident involving an 18-wheeler blocked the East Ky. 92/Ky. 1470 intersection for over three hours.
“We had over 3,800 customers county-wide out of electric Friday afternoon,” Young reported, adding that the number had been whittled down to 10 South Kentucky RECC customers and 20 Cumberland Valley RECC customers (along 3C Road) by Sunday.
Though much of the damage had been done Friday night, additional light snow and freezing rain over Saturday night brought down several trees on KY 1044, KY 896 and Mill Creek.
More severe damage was seen in Letcher, Pike and Perry counties — where Gov. Beshear visited this weekend.
“Though we often wish for a white Christmas, in reality these storms can put Kentuckians in danger, and my administration is marshalling
all its resources to address the needs of those impacted,” he stated.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), located in Frankfort, remain activated at a heightened level of alert, with additional staffing throughout the day and night. The CEOC will activate to a higher level if
necessary. KYEM continues to maintain situational awareness and communications with KYEM Regional Response Managers, Department of Transportation Operation Center, Kentucky State Police and the Office of Gov. Beshear.
Road conditions throughout the state can be found on the Kentucky Department of Transportation’s Web site at www.511.ky.gov, or by
calling 511 in Kentucky or 1-866-737-3767 for out-of-state callers.
Additional information and winter safety tips, including winter driving tips, can be found on the KYEM web site at www.kyem.ky.gov. Winter weather warnings and advisories as well as county weather information can be found at www.weather.gov.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Adam Bryant
McCreary sees five inches of snow
Governor declares state of emergency after winter storm
- Local News
-
-
UPDATE: 2012 Primary Deadline Extended
FRANKFORT — Candidates who wish to be placed on the ballot for the May primary election must file their candidacy papers by 4 p.m. Eastern Time today.
At press time, only one candidate had filed with the McCreary County Clerk’s Office. -
Pine Knot couple sues Kraft
LONDON — A Pine Knot couple is seeking millions from a national corporation over allegations that eating one of its products resulted in the husband’s life-threatening injuries.
-
Duncan headlines annual GOP banquet
STEARNS — McCreary County Republicans can expect to see an old friend this Friday night.
Serving as keynote speaker of the local GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner will be -
Academy makes the grade
STEARNS — The McCreary County Board of Education met in regular session Thursday night, settling several orders of business during their first meeting of the new year.
-
Beshear signs new districts into law
FRANKFORT — 2012 is already proving to be a year of great change for McCreary County as Governor Steve Beshear on Friday signed into law controversial plans to re-draw state legislative districts.
-
True Beauty
WHITLEY CITY — A former Miss McCrearyFest has earned statewide accolades for her community.
Allie Leggett was named first runner-up Sunday night at the Miss Kentucky Teen USA -
Centennial Celebration taking shape
WHITLEY CITY — Plans to commemorate McCreary County’s 100th birthday are taking shape.
The McCreary County Centennial Committee met last Tuesday to hear updates on -
Christmas Eve thefts top indictments
WHITLEY CITY — The McCreary County grand jury has issued three separate indictments in connection to a December 24 burglary spree.
Ethan Mavity, 22, of Whitley City, has been indicted for breaking into the Perry-West -
Inmate returned to MCDC
WHITLEY CITY — A local convict is facing an additional charge after walking away from the McCreary County Detention Center on Friday afternoon.
Rodney Cullen McDowell, 23, of Whitley City walked away from the jail at approximately -
Not everybody happy about redistricting
FRANKFORT — It's the most partisan of partisan political decisions lawmakers make.
And there were cries from state House Republicans on Wednesday as the majority House Democrats unveiled a state legislative redistricting plan which potentially pits nine - More Local News Headlines
-
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
