BEREA, Ky. — In the wake of the January 2026 winter storm that blanketed the Commonwealth with snow, ice, and power outages, Kentucky residents have entered a new phase of the weather emergency: the aftermath. While snow and ice have largely moved out of the state, dangerously frigid conditions remain—and returning to a regular schedule will take patience, caution, and community support.
🥶 Extreme Cold Warning Remains
Early Tuesday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear renewed an Extreme Cold Warning in effect until 11 a.m., reminding Kentuckians that frostbite and hypothermia can occur in as little as 10 minutes in this weather. The Governor again urged residents to stay off the roads and limit outdoor exposure as the state continues recovery efforts.
🌨️ The Storm Isn’t Over—Not Really
Although snow and ice have technically passed, the conditions they left behind remain a threat. Roads that appeared clear during brief thaws can quickly refreeze under subzero temperatures, leaving secondary routes especially treacherous.
Crews from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and local departments have been working around the clock, but even with progress on plowing and deicing, winter’s impact has a lingering hold.
For many Berea families, this means delays in returning to normal routines. School schedules, work commutes, and delivery services are still disrupted in parts of the region—not because snow is falling now, but because ice-packed roads and cautious travel still slow everyone down.
🧊 Cold, Not Just Snow, Causes Danger
Data from state briefings show that although power outages have dropped sharply from a peak of more than 73,000, thousands of homes and businesses were still without electricity early Tuesday. Utility crews from Kentucky and neighboring states have pitched in, but restoring reliable power in rural and hilly regions takes time in extreme cold conditions.
And the cold itself remains a health risk. Temperatures with wind chills dipping below zero mean that even short trips outdoors—walking the dog, checking on elderly neighbors, or clearing a car windshield—can lead to serious health issues if precautions aren’t taken.
🏠 Warming Centers: A Temporary Lifeline
In response, state and local authorities have expanded warming center locations across Kentucky, including sites in several state parks. These centers provide a safe, heated refuge for those without power or adequate heating at home.
For Berea residents looking for help, community organizations and churches have joined the effort to check on neighbors, assist with transportation to warming stations, and share information on safe travel. Local emergency management continues to update resources online.
🔜 Looking Forward
For many in Berea and beyond, the focus now is shifting from surviving the storm to managing its residual effects. Roads still need repair and clearing, power lines remain vulnerable, and the mental toll of days spent in isolation or under threat of freezing conditions weighs on families.
Yet, there are signs of progress: Primary routes are more passable than they were just days ago, crews are making steady improvements, and the state is coordinating resources for sustained recovery. Still, Gov. Beshear made it clear that we aren’t quite in the clear: even as the worst weather moves on, the risks of extreme cold and ice remain for several more days.
📝 COMMUNITY REMINDERS
- Travel: Check GoKY.ky.gov for real-time road conditions before venturing out.
- Safety: Keep emergency kits in your vehicle and check on vulnerable neighbors.
- Government: Due to road conditions, please check the City of Berea website for the status of this week’s scheduled meetings, including the rescheduled City Council session.
