UPDATE: Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton ended the city's state of emergency Tuesday and announced city offices will reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, following days of bitter cold weather and icy conditions.
"Although the bitter cold continues, our road crews have made progress," Gorton said. "A delayed start Wednesday is a safer choice for our employees, and for anyone who has business with the government."
The state of emergency will officially end at 8 a.m. Wednesday, which will also end free parking in downtown garages.
Road crews have been working to clear ice and snow despite frigid temperatures. Sunshine over the past 24 hours has improved road conditions, with main roads now in good shape, according to Gorton.
"Today crews are moving to major collector streets in neighborhoods," Gorton said. "We are also beginning to address ADA ramps, busier intersections, and school routes."
The mayor is continuing to delay enforcement of the city ordinance requiring residents to shovel their sidewalks due to dangerous ice conditions.
"While clear sidewalks are important, currently, the ice makes it dangerous for many residents to clear their sidewalks," Gorton said. "The ordinance allows the Mayor to delay enforcement until weather conditions improve."
Waste management service will remain suspended Wednesday as officials cite safety concerns for both residents and employees.
"Just like it's dangerous for people to shovel sidewalks in this cold, it's dangerous for many residents to move their waste carts to the curb, and for employees to drive big trucks through neighborhoods in this weather," Gorton said.
Original Story:
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has declared a state of emergency for the city as officials prepare for a significant winter storm expected to hit the area this weekend.
City officials held a press conference outlining their priorities for preparation, with road clearing at the top of the list.
"This is going to be a different type of event than folks are used to with this amount of snow," said Rob Allen, the director of the city's Streets and Roads department.
Beyond clearing driveways, first responders are urging residents to take additional safety precautions around their homes.
"Take a walk around your house and clear snow away from any furnace, dryer, or generator vents to ensure that we're not allowing a carbon monoxide buildup," Fire Chief Jason Wells said.
Officials emphasized the importance of having an emergency plan ready.
"Ensure your family has enough food, water, medications, medical supplies, and other essentials to last at least 96 hours. That's 4 days," The Director of Emergency Management, Rob Larkin, said.
"Update home and vehicle emergency kits with additional blankets, warm clothing, flashlights, and batteries," Larkin added.
Kentucky Utilities will post power outage updates on their website if electricity goes out during the storm.
"It's not our first rodeo, is it? I mean, January of last year, we had a significant winter storm that impacted the region here, which led to about 65,000 customers for LG&E and KU. They were impacted," Daniel Lowry, the spokesperson for LG&E and KU, said.
City officials are asking residents to stay home if possible. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is also activating its Winter Care Program, which includes critical medication delivery and transportation to shelters for those who lose power.
