The current ice storm that slammed Kentucky has become the second worst in the state's history. Some officials are saying power could be out as long as 7-10 days.Chris Evans, editor of The Crittenden Press, reported that not only are power lines down, but poles have also fallen under the sheer weight of the ice.
Although more lost power in the wake of Hurricane Ike (an approximate 600,000 compared with the 525,000 impacted by this storm), Gov. Steve Beshear said this ice storm is “more dire and potentially life threatening” because so many people could be without power in temperatures that are expected to stay below freezing until Sunday.
More than 500 members of the Kentucky National Guard have been activated in support of relief efforts in the wake of the current winter storm emergency.
Soldiers are currently in 27 counties across the commonwealth, supporting Kentucky Department of Transportation personnel and utility companies in clearing debris from roadways and powerlines.
In addition, troops are helping transport critical personnel, equipment and supplies (such as bottled water) where travel conditions are hazardous. This mission includes transporting kidney dialysis patients to treatment centers.
Posted by Matthew T. Patton
