Thousands lose power, utility crews face numerous challenges in restoration

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) — Freezing rain that followed Sunday’s snowfall left thousands without power and blocked roads throughout Pulaski County as ice-laden tree limbs snapped under the weight.

As many as 11,000 people lost electricity Sunday morning, with just under 10,000 still without power as of Sunday afternoon. Austin Terrell of Pulaski County said his family lost power around 11 a.m. Sunday.

“One branch go through one car window. That is my sister in law’s car there,” Terrell said.

The Terrell family has propane as a backup heat source, though Terrell noted the heat doesn’t circulate well. His wife is 33 weeks pregnant.

“I hope my wife doesn’t go into labor. She is, we got 3 weeks and she will be 36 weeks,” Terrell said.

County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd said the ice storm created problems countywide across Pulaski County’s 1,200 miles of county roads.

“We got a big job ahead of us,” Todd said.

Road crews initially focused more on cutting trees than salting or plowing roads because fallen trees blocked so many areas. By mid-morning, crews had reports of 40 to 50 trees down.

“The power people can’t get to some areas because the roads are blocked with trees. That’s a number one job right now,” Todd said.

Officials said 35 road crew members are working and manning 25 plows. Pine trees were particularly affected by the ice accumulation.

“The pine trees are the worst,” Terrell said.

It’s not known how long it will take to restore power to the area.

You can follow the progress by going to the South Kentucky RECC web site: nisc.skrecc.com/maps/OutageWebMap/

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