A word of thanks as we weather the storm

By Dennis Brown

Emergency Management Director

As Lewis County continues to recover from a significant winter storm and to manage an extended period of bitter cold, I want to take a moment to thank the many people and agencies who are helping our community navigate this event safely.

First and foremost, I want to thank the citizens of Lewis County. The cooperation shown by our residents by staying off hazardous roadways, checking on neighbors, lending a hand where possible, and taking the storm seriously made a meaningful difference. Public cooperation allowed emergency responders and road crews the space they needed to do their jobs safely and effectively.

I also want to express sincere appreciation to our first responders, dispatchers, road crews, utility workers, and public works employees across the county and the City of Vanceburg. These men and women worked long hours in extremely difficult conditions, including ice-covered roads and dangerously cold temperatures, to keep essential services operating.

This response was not carried out alone. Lewis County benefited greatly from coordination and support from my counterparts in surrounding counties, KYEM Area 7 Director Jason York, KYEM Director Eric Gibson, Gov. Andy Beshear, and the staff at the State Emergency Operations Center. 

The National Weather Service provided critical forecasting and briefings throughout the event, and state agencies stood ready with resources and assistance as needed. That level of coordination is essential during storms of this magnitude.

I also want to thank the City of Vanceburg for its continued partnership and snow-removal efforts, as well as county and municipal leadership for their support throughout the response.

Lewis County Schools Superintendent Jeff Aulick extended support and the invitation to utilize facilities as needed.

Our volunteer firefighters went above and beyond, staffing fire stations around the clock to reduce response times and ensure equipment is fully operational if needed.

Our sheriff’s department, police department, and KSP also exceeded expectations, as they always do, by efficiently and professionally responding to every call and patrolling all corners of our expansive county.

Earlier in the event, Lewis County and the City of Vanceburg declared states of emergency, and the county operated under a Level 3 Snow Emergency to protect public safety and allow road crews and first responders to operate safely. 

As conditions improved, we transitioned to a Level 2 Snow Emergency on Tuesday. Road and weather conditions are being closely monitored, and adjustments will be made as needed.

While snowfall has ended, extreme cold temperatures are expected to continue throughout the remainder of the week, with daytime highs remaining in the teens and low 20s and overnight lows dropping well below freezing.

Residents are urged to continue using caution when traveling, to dress appropriately when outdoors, and to be mindful of the physical strain associated with shoveling snow, which can be dangerous in cold conditions.

Warming centers remain on standby, with facilities in the Vanceburg area fully prepared for immediate activation if conditions warrant. Residents needing information or assistance are encouraged to contact Lewis County Emergency Management at 606-796-3464. As always, in the event of an emergency, call 911.

Severe winter weather reminds us how interconnected our community truly is. The cooperation, patience, and care shown during this storm reflect the strength of Lewis County. 

Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions, work with our partners, and keep the public informed as we move through the remainder of this cold stretch and the remnants of the winter storm.