Gov. Beshear: Kentuckians Should Prepare For Serious Weather Related to Hurricane Helene

Editor's note: Click here to view the National Weather Service report used in the Governor's briefing, and click here to view photos from the press conference.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 27, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear held a news conference at the state Capitol to ask Kentuckians to prepare for serious weather related to Hurricane Helene.

According to the National Weather Service, the remnants of Helene will bring widespread rain and strong winds. Three-to-five inches of rain is possible through Sunday night, with locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are likely today - mainly in the late morning and into the afternoon. A few higher gusts are possible, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Flooding is possible today with the arrival of tropical rains, with a slight risk for flash flooding in areas with the most intense rainfall.

"Making sure all our Kentucky families are safe is always our first priority," Gov. Beshear said. "The remnants of Hurricane Helene will bring damaging winds that could cause power outages and downed trees as well as heavy and persistent rain. We believe the conditions out there on the roads and for travel are going to get significant enough, especially at about noon today, that we want our folks to get home and to be safe."

All Kentuckians should stay weather aware and pay close attention to weather alerts today and through the weekend. Kentuckians can receive weather warnings by having a NOAA weather radio; listening to local TV and radio updates; connecting to wireless emergency alerts and weather apps; listening for outdoor sirens; visiting weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov or receiving notifications from family, friends and co-workers.

The Governor also closed state office buildings at 10:30 a.m. today to help make sure state employees are able to make it home safely before the strong wind and rain begin.

Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock joined Gov. Beshear to provide additional information.

"The Emergency Operations Center is operational. It is staffed and will be staffed throughout the event, just like we should be," said Gibson. "We are ready to deploy if needed anywhere across the state. We also work with our Kentucky State Police friends and our Kentucky National Guard friends to have our air assets available if that becomes a necessity to get people safe. We are preparing our assets - we make sure that we're ready to respond to whatever the threat may be."

Key Storm Impacts

• Power outages possible.
  • As of 11:30 a.m. EDT, there were 71,500 Kentuckians without power.
• The storm may cause weakly rooted trees to fall, and loose objects could be blown around.
• Travel in high profile vehicles will be difficult, especially on north-south roads.
• Prolonged rainfall on increasingly saturated soils may lead to overflowing creeks and streams and standing water in low-lying areas.
• Low water crossings and poor drainage areas will be most susceptible.

"Our state transportation staff are on standby to see how the weather unfolds and will respond as necessary to keep traffic moving on state routes for emergency responders and travelers," said Hancock. "If you can avoid travel when winds are high and rainfall is heavy, please do. This will give crews and first responders the time and space needed to protect the public."

Road Safety Tips

• Never drive through high water, as only a few inches can float a car. Turn around, don't drown.
• Take it slow, avoid hard braking. Hydroplaning most often occurs when a vehicle is driving too fast in wet conditions.
• Keep your headlights on and keep both hands on the wheel.
• Keep a safe distance from vehicles around you, especially high-profile vehicles.
• Never touch downed utility lines or try to move trees tangled in lines.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat the intersection like a four-way stop.
• Make sure any items you're transporting are securely tied or covered.
• Be mindful of debris remaining alongside roads as crews often move debris to the right-of-way to make a clear path and will return to fully clean it up.
• Check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov, as some roads are blocked due to downed trees and power lines.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.

Moore Safe Nights
Yesterday, the Governor announced a new program, "Moore Safe Nights," that will distribute free weather alert radios to deaf and hard-of-hearing Kentuckians for emergency alerts. This is a multistate agency collaboration honoring the late deaf and hard-of-hearing advocate Virginia Moore. The program has acquired 700 weather alert radios specifically adapted for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Click here to learn more about how to apply.

Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Call or text 800-985-5990.

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