Winter Storm Fern expected to affect over 230 million across the country
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck has issued a State of Emergency for the City of Somerset today, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, as the community prepares for Winter Storm Fern. The storm has been described as “catastrophic,” with ice and heavy snow spanning from Texas to the northeast United States. It is expected to affect over 230 million people and is anticipated to arrive in Pulaski County in the morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 24.
The official State of Emergency declaration is below:
Whereas Winter Storm “Fern” stretches over 2,000 miles west to east and covers almost the entire Eastern United States, and,
Whereas meteorologists throughout the United States agree that Somerset and Pulaski County are well within the Winter Storm Fern central impact area, and,
Whereas the City of Somerset is predicted with great confidence to receive the combination of heavy snow and/or ice precipitation (Sperry-Plitz Ice Accumulation Index damage categories 1 to 3 foreseen) on January 24 and 25, 2026, followed by constant freezing temperatures for approximately one week.
Whereas spot natural gas prices are 10 times normal prices 48 hours ahead of the storm.
Now therefore, because of the above stated expected disruption to the health, safety, economy, travel and quality of life in the City of Somerset, pursuant to KRS 39A.100 and 39B.070, I do hereby declare that a State of Emergency exists in the City of Somerset.
I direct the City of Somerset’s first responders, utilities, and all other staff to prepare for Winter Storm Fern and to make the recovery, cleanup, and rebuilding of storm-affected areas their first priority. I direct all City staff to coordinate their actions as effectively and efficiently as possible with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the County of Pulaski emergency management.
All emergency powers or local government functions enumerated to Kentucky Local Governments in KRS 39A.100 and 39B.070 are hereby invoked and may be utilized by City staff in preparation, response, recovery and rebuild.
As more information on specific actions to be taken and needs are assessed, this Emergency Declaration may and will be amended.
The Emergency Declaration made by me, under my hand, on this day of January 23, 2026.
Alan L. Keck
Mayor of Somerset, Kentucky
