Updated January 22, 2026
A rapid drop in temperatures and the potential for snow and ice are expected this weekend across Kentucky and Virginia, and conditions may change quickly. LG&E and KU are closely monitoring the forecast and have crews prepared to respond safely and as quickly as possible to any issues caused by winter weather.
- More than 1,000 restoration personnel are positioned across our service area to protect the public, assess any damage and, if power outages occur, restore service safely and as quickly as possible.
- With more than 40 crew centers, resources will be strategically positioned and redirected where they’re needed most.
- As part of our storm preparations, we are actively monitoring the forecast and mobilizing crews and resources across our service area. We also coordinate closely with neighboring utilities and continuously monitor conditions on the regional electric grid.
- Weather and road conditions can affect how quickly crews can access damaged areas, which is why public safety and road access are critical during storms.
Our systems are performing as designed to meet customers’ energy needs, thanks in part to ongoing maintenance and continued investment in infrastructure that safely and reliably generates and delivers energy around the clock.
This page will be updated with safety information, outage resources and service updates. For the most current weather conditions and forecast for your area, please check your local weather stations.
Safety comes first — especially with downed power lines
Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and can be energized even if they look inactive.
- Stay away from downed wires. Keep others away, too.
- Always assume a downed line is energized.
- Never text to report a downed line or natural gas leak — always leave the area and call immediately.
How to report downed wires:
How to report a natural gas emergency (LG&E customers only)
If you suspect a gas leak:
Help keep everyone safe
- Limit travel when roads are icy or snow-covered. Staying off the roads helps protect you and allows utility crews and emergency responders to reach impacted areas more safely.
- If it’s safe to do so, check on neighbors who may need extra help, especially older adults or people with medical needs.
Get more important safety tips.
Prepare now: Winter weather readiness tips
Taking steps now can help reduce risk and keep you comfortable if conditions worsen.
Build or check your winter emergency kit
Recommended items include:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and backup power banks
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Prescription medications and basic first-aid supplies
- Blankets, warm clothing, hats and gloves
- Ice melt and basic snow-clearing tools
- Supplies for infants, older adults and pets, if needed
Additional preparedness tips:
- Protect exposed pipes and seal drafts around doors and windows.
- Keep vehicles fueled and stocked with basic winter supplies if travel becomes necessary.
- Have a family communication plan in case conditions worsen.
Check out more winter ready preparedness tips and resources.
How to track and report outages — and get automatic alerts
If outages occur, the most up-to-date information will be available at:
- Our outage map, which you can view on our website and on our mobile app.
- Estimated restoration times are based on direct feedback from crews in the field and may vary by location and damage type. As damage assessments are completed, we also may provide broader, area-wide estimated restoration times for major outage events.
- Because every outage is different, some repairs take longer due to safety and accessibility conditions.
New: Proactive power outage alerts
LG&E and KU now offer automatic outage alerts to help keep customers informed when service is interrupted.
Customers can receive:
- A text or automated phone call when an outage is detected at their home or business
- Restoration updates when available
- Confirmation when power is restored
How it works:
- Advanced meters automatically notify our systems when outages occur.
- Outage alerts and updates will be sent via text or automated phone call to the mobile phone or landline number that a customer has provided for their account.
- Customers can update at any time their preferred contact information tied to their account using LG&E and KU’s self-serve options (mobile app, online via My Account or automated phone system), which are available 24/7.
- Text alerts will appear from 4LGEKU (454358), and automated phone calls will appear from 800-331-7370 for LG&E customers and 800-981-0600 for KU/ODP customers
- Customers are encouraged to save these numbers in their contacts for easy recognition.
Strengthening our system for extreme weather
LG&E and KU continue to invest in long-term improvements to make the electric system more resilient to severe weather, including:
- Using updated, data-driven design standards to better withstand heavier ice and wind gusts up to 100 miles per hour.
- Installing stronger wires and poles as part of system-hardening efforts.
- Replacing wooden transmission poles with steel structures.
- Expanding real-time monitoring and automated technologies to detect issues and restore service faster.
Because of these investments, in recent years:
- The frequency of power outages has been reduced by about 40%.
- The average length of outages has been reduced by about 30%.
Additional technology improvements also support reliability and customer service, including:
- Advanced meters help detect outages more quickly and support proactive outage alerts
- Automated restoration equipment on our system isolates problems, impacting fewer customers and allowing crews to identify, repair and restore issues more quickly.
Our commitment to you
As winter weather moves through our service area, LG&E and KU will continue to monitor conditions closely and respond safely and as quickly as possible when issues occur. We encourage everyone to keep safety first, limit travel when conditions are hazardous and look out for neighbors who may need assistance.
Be safe — we will continue to share important information and updates as conditions change.
