Mayor Gorton holds winter weather briefing

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Mayor Linda Gorton held a news conference Wednesday at noon to discuss the city’s continued response to the winter storm.

Gorton was joined by representatives of government divisions involved in winter weather response.

“While Lexington continues to battle ice and an extended period of bitter cold temperatures, city road crews have made significant progress, and the work continues,” Gorton said.

Even though the city’s state of emergency expired at 8 a.m. Wednesday, crews remain focused on treating roads and returning Lexington to normal operations as safely and quickly as possible.

The city has never had the capacity to treat every road in Lexington, but focuses on roads with the most traffic, and those that serve hospitals and schools.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is providing additional assistance, moving in trucks from counties that received less snow and ice accumulation than Fayette. Those resources are supporting response efforts in both Lexington and KYTC District 7, helping crews expand coverage and maintain priority routes.

“Main roads are in much better condition, and road crews are actively working on neighborhood streets, busy intersections, and school routes,” Gorton said.

With the expiration of the state of emergency, the city’s Emergency Operation Center will cease 24-hour operations, but will continue to monitor and take calls as response efforts continue.

The expiration of the state of emergency also prompted the end of free parking in downtown garages.

Gorton said she is continuing to delay the enforcement of the ordinance requiring residents to shovel their sidewalks. “The ice makes it both dangerous and challenging for residents to clear their sidewalks,” Gorton said. “The ordinance allows the Mayor to delay enforcement until weather conditions improve.” The city will announce when enforcement resumes.

The Division of Waste Management will collect garbage on Thursday. Crews will collect normal Thursday routes. The city will not collect recyclables or yard waste this week.

Gorton said assistance from residents has helped crews treat the roads. “Our people have been a tremendous help by staying home and staying safe, allowing our road crews and first responders do their jobs more safely and effectively,” she said.

Gorton on Wednesday brought together city representatives and community partners involved responding to winter weather to provide updates on their response:

DIVISON OF POLICE

The Lexington Police Department has been working around the clock, responding to weather-related calls, Assistant Chief Sam Murdock said.

During the winter weather event, from approximately 2 p.m., Saturday January 24, through approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, the Lexington Police department has responded to 11 Injury Collisions; 91 Non-Injury Collisions; 264 Motorist/Citizen Assists; Provided 37 Escorts; and responded to 98 Traffic Hazards.

Due to frigid temperatures, motorists should expect ice and black ice on roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. Salt and deicers are less effective in extremely low temperatures.

Police ask motorists to slow down and use caution while on the roads. Motorists should clear the snow and ice off vehicles before heading out on the roads.

Residents should not call 9-1-1 to check on road conditions. To report a non-emergency, residents should call (859) 258-3600. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

DIVISON OF FIRE

The Lexington Fire Department kept employees staffed at the Emergency Operations Center throughout the weekend.

At the request of Kentucky Emergency Management, Lexington Fire sent 7 members of its Wildland Task Group to Monroe County, joining members of the Richmond and Versailles Fire Departments to cut trees and assist in debris removal.

Given the cold temperatures, Lexington Fire urged residents to use caution with home heating equipment. If using space heaters, keep them 3 feet from anything combustible, and never leave them unattended. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fire fatalities. Although it is always important to have functioning smoke alarms, it is especially important when using alternative heating sources.

OFFICE OF HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

People experiencing homelessness can access New Life Day Center, 224 North Martin Luther King Blvd., during daytime hours, and Lighthouse Ministries is serving as an overnight warming center at 190 Spruce Street.

Lighthouse is open 6 p.m.-7 a.m. through February 2. Lighthouse also will provide lunch and dinner daily. This is in addition to Lexington’s seasonal shelter at 1306 Versailles Road for adult men and women, and several other shelters. The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention’s Emergency Winter Weather Plan remains in effect.

Under the activation of the Emergency Winter Weather plan:

• Outreach staff, funded by LFUCG, continue making contact to provide access to shelter and other resources such as food, warm clothing, etc.
• Congregate shelters welcome all eligible individuals including those previously restricted for behavioral or programmatic reasons.
• Lextran offers free fixed route rides to daytime and overnight shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

Lexington’s shelter system is largely at capacity, and it is recommended that bed availability be confirmed prior to someone physically going or being taken to a shelter. All available shelters and contact information can be found in the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention’s Winter Weather Plan available at lexendhomelessness.com.

Street outreach is available to receive contacts (phone, text, e-mail) and can help individuals navigate shelter needs. They can be reached at 859-551-8053 or 859-556-1870, or via e-mail at outreach@hopectr.org.

FAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has been operating under its Winter Care Program, which provides essential services during severe winter weather, including offering transportation for healthcare workers and patients, prescription pickups, welfare checks for vulnerable residents, and other services.

LEXINGTON PARKS AND RECREATION

All city golf courses are closed.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is closed Wednesday, January 28 as staff evaluate trail conditions and work to clear roads and sidewalks. Re-opening date will be announced.

ESP and REAL, before and after school programs, are cancelled.

William Wells Brown Community Center is closed when Fayette County Public Schools are closed.

Tates Creek Community Center is closed for the season.