March 4, 2015
Power outages expected with heavy, wet snow…
Local EMS agency was nearly overwhelmed because of the last storm, and may not be able to fully respond to all emergencies with coming storm system…EMS had over 200 calls for assistance during storm last week…
by WADE QUEEN
(*ALERT: 6:30 A.M.: LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE THAT CLASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO HIGH WATER ISSUES FOR TODAY.)
Reports are coming in from before sunrise this morning of some high water issues around the county starting to block some roadways, The Lawrence Co. EMS is reporting.
Meanwhile neighboring Johnson County Schools are on a 2 hour delay due to a major power outage leaving nearly all off Paintsville in the dark.
Lawrence County officials are bracing for a new serious winter weather event, a double storm event that will go from a high water threat to even more dangerous deep heavy wet snow and sleet with a large flash freeze Thursday night with 0 to -5 below tempatures.
Officials at the Lawrence County EMS gave a somwhat dire warning statement regarding fallout from the crippling weather events in the last 2 weeks that may lead to a less capable response to any significant emergenices and aid responses
According to the LCEMA: “Simple fact is we are going to get heavy rain with possible flooding and then heavy snow similar to the previous snow this month. If you have failed to prepare 
please do so tonight and tomorrow. Some wondered prior to the last storm why everyone was pushing preparedness and such and we think we found out why after we had over 200 calls for assistance within Lawrence County alone. This is likely to be the case again, however, if we have a large emergency situation during this same time we may not be able to provide such assistance. Don’t rely on us being able to get those essential items for you or to assist you in getting to your medical appointments. If we are available and have the resources we will certainly do so but it is not a guarantee that we will be able to. Additionally, for the first 24 to 48 hours of this event we will be providing life threatening assistance only. We ask you to please be prepared for this event and to check on your neighbors during this time.”
The Lawrence County Emergency Managment Agency further stated that they were involved with a statewide conference call with Kentucky Emergency Management last Thursday afternoon, with the LCEMA remarking with this conclusion: “On the upcoming heavy rain and heavy snow events for this week. At this time Lawrence County should start mixing with sleet tomorrow afternoon and then snow tomorrow evening. We can expect chances of 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour where the heavier bands set up. We can see thundersnow and likely record lows on the backside of the snow system. Per the call we are expecting to see at least 5-10 inches in the southern portions of the county and 8-12 in the northern portions. Some areas could possibly see more as this is a very moist system. We can expect wind gusts of up to 20 mph and with the wet ground, heavy wet snow and wind we can likely expect power outages from this system”.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECASTS ARE SHOWING WITH THE ARRIVAL OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME THIS COMING SUNDAY ( MEANING LONGER DAYLIGHT EVENINGS ) ALL NEXT WEEK WILL BE 55-60 DEGREES AND ALL DRY.
