A major winter storm affected Eastern Kentucky beginning on January 27th. A low pressure system moved northeast from the Gulf Coast States, reaching Eastern Kentucky by the morning of the 28th. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain overspread the area during the early morning hours on the 27th. The precipitation gradually changed to all freezing rain, with some plain rain closer to the Tennessee border. By the morning of the 28th, numerous trees and power lines were brought down due to the weight of the ice from freezing rain. An estimated 100,000 people were without power. Some were without power for more than a week. Communications systems were affected, with both land line and cellular service inoperative. FEMA estimated that over $13 million in damage occurred as a result of the ice storm in eastern Kentucky alone. Estill, Johnson, Magoffin, and Morgan counties all received over $1 million dollars in federal aid respectively to help with recovery and cleanup.

Ice Storm in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 01:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 11:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated that between one eigth and one quarter of an inch of ice from freezing rain had accumulated on trees around the dispatch office.

Winter Storm in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 01:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Over two inches of snow had fallen with more than one half inch of sleet/ice accumulation.

Ice Storm in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 04:15:00 to 27-JAN-09 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter estimated a quarter of an inch of ice on surfaces from freezing rain 3 miles northwest of Blackey.

Ice Storm in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An NWS employee reported one half inch of sleet accumulation. The precipitation had changed over to freezing rain by time the report was phoned in.

Ice Storm in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

At least one quarter of an inch of ice from freezing rain had accumulated on trees and sidewalks near Somerset.

Winter Storm in MONTGOMERY, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 01:00:00 to 29-JAN-09 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated that three inches of snow and one-half inch of ice had accumulated in Mount Sterling.

Winter Weather in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:15:00 to 27-JAN-09 11:15:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Up to one tenth of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing was reported 9 miles west of Monticello.

Ice Storm in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 04:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A cooperative weather observer reported one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain 1 mile west of Belcher.

Sleet in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An NWS employee reported one half inch of sleet accumulation. The precipitation had changed over to freezing rain by the time the report was phoned in.

Ice Storm in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A cooperative weather observer measured one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain in Ezel.

Ice Storm in JOHNSON, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 04:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A weather observer reported one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain near Paintsville.

Ice Storm in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 27-JAN-09 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A weather observer reported one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain near London.

Ice Storm in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A weather observer reported one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain in Rogers.

Ice Storm in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Leslie County Highway Dept. estimated that one quarter of an inch of ice from freezing rain in Hyden.

Ice Storm in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated that between one eighth and one quarter of an inch of ice from freezing rain had accumulated on trees around the dispatch office.

Winter Weather in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Two inches of sleet and snow, along with one tenth of an inch of ice from freezing rain, had accumulated in Morehead.

Ice Storm in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Ice accumulation of one quarter of an inch was reported in Irvine.

Ice Storm in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation, with only a trace of sleet, in Clay City.

Ice Storm in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A volunteer weather observer reported a half an inch of snow and three tenths of an inch of ice accumulation in Stanton.

Ice Storm in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:05:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated one quarter of an inch of ice due to freezing rain accumulated in Clay City.

Winter Weather in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A volunteer weather observer reported sixth tenths of an inch of snow accumulation and one tenth of an inch of ice accumulation in Stanton.

Ice Storm in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A volunteer weather observer reported fourth tenths of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain 9 miles north northwest of Irvine.

Ice Storm in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

One quarter of an inch of ice accretion from freezing rain was reported in the northern portion of the county.

Heavy Snow in FLEMING, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 00:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Five inches of snow and sleet accumulated in Flemingsburg.

Ice Storm in MARTIN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

One quarter of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain occured 2 miles east of Inez.

Ice Storm in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A volunteer weather observer reported an fourth tenths of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain at Cressy.

Winter Weather in FLEMING, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Three inches of snow and sleet accumulated in Hillsboro.

Ice Storm in OWSLEY, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Owsley County dispatch estimated that a quarter to a half inch of ice had accumulated from freezing rain in Booneville.

Ice Storm in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

At least one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain occurred 3 miles northwest of Hazard.

Winter Weather in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 00:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Three inches of snow and sleet accumulated 6 miles northeast of Morehead.

Winter Weather in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Two inches of snow and sleet accumulated in Morehead.

Ice Storm in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 27-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Clay county dispatch in Manchester estimated that one quarter of an inch of ice from freezing rain had accumulated in their parking lot.

Ice Storm in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Three eights of an inch of ice accumulation occurred 5 miles west southwest of Morehead.

Heavy Snow in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 01:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public estimated that 4 inches of snow and sleet had accumulated 3 miles northeast of Sharpsburg.

Winter Weather in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 01:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated that 2 inches of snow and sleet had accumulated in Owingsville along with a thin glaze of ice.

Heavy Snow in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

An estimated 4 inches of snow and sleet had accumulated 3 miles northeast of Sharpsburg.

Ice Storm in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous trees and power lines were brought down by the weight of ice accretion due to freezing rain. At least one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation occurred.

Ice Storm in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:45:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:45:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Three quarters of an inch of ice accretion from freezing rain was reported. Several large trees were brought down due to the weight of the ice.

Ice Storm in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

One half of inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain was reported to the Jackson weather office by a coop-erative weather observer near Heidelberg.

Winter Weather in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated that one to one and a half inches of snow and sleet had accumulated in Salyersville.

Ice Storm in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public estimated that half an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain had occurred in Prestonsburg.

Ice Storm in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public estimated a half an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain in Prestonsburg.

Ice Storm in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

An estimated one half inch of ice accumulation occurred in Campton. Trees were downed around the county due to the weight of the ice.

Ice Storm in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Search and rescue estimated that one quarter of an inch of ice from freezing rain had accumulated on trees near the station in Salyersville.

Winter Weather in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch estimated one to one and a half inches of snow and sleet accumulation with a half inch of that being sleet in Salyersville.

Winter Weather in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A volunteer weather observer reported one tenth of an inch of ice acccumulation and one tenth of an inch of sleet accumulation near Talbert.

Ice Storm in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Three tenths of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain occurred in Jackson.

Ice Storm in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

One half inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain occurred in Beattyville. Numerous tree limbs were brought down due to the weight of the ice.

Ice Storm in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

One quarter of an inch of glaze from freezing rain had accumulated at the Jackson weather office, along with four tenths of an inch of sleet and snow.

Ice Storm in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Fourth tenths of an inch of ice accretion from freezing rain was measured at the Jackson weather office.

Ice Storm in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

One quarter of an inch of ice accumulation due to freezing rain occurred in valley locations around the county. Ridgetop locations experiences ice accumulations of three eights to one quarter of an inch.

Ice Storm in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Rockcastle County Highway Dept estimated one quarter to one half of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain in Mount Vernon.

Ice Storm in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 02:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Jackson county dispatch reported around one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain in McKee.

Sleet in ELLIOTT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

One and a half inches of snow and sleet accumulated in Sandy Hook.

Ice Storm in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

One half inch of ice accretion from freezing rain. One to two inches of snow and sleet fell across the county as well. Numerous trees were downed due to the weight of the ice.

Ice Storm in JOHNSON, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees and power lines down county wide due to the weight of ice on them. More than 8000 customers without power. At least three quarters to one inch of ice accumulation across portions of the county.

Ice Storm in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter estimated three tenths of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain at Davis Fork.

Ice Storm in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Jackson County dispatch reported around a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation from freezing rain in McKee.

Ice Storm in ELLIOTT, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:30:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported one and a half inches of snow and sleet accumulation in Sandy Hook. The precipitation had changed over to all sleet by the time of the report.

Ice Storm in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 27-JAN-09 03:00:00 to 28-JAN-09 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Search and rescue estimated that one quarter of an inch of ice had accumulated on trees in the area.