1/23/2026 Preparedness Update

By: Drake DeMuyt | January 25, 2026

As we head into the weekend, we want to provide a timely and transparent update regarding a winter weather system expected to impact Eastern Kentucky beginning Saturday. Our goal is to keep you informed—not alarmed—so that everyone has the information needed to make safe, smart decisions.

We are closely monitoring this storm with our weather partners at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Jackson, KY, and we will continue providing updates as new information becomes available.

WHAT WE KNOW RIGHT NOW (As of Friday, Jan. 23 @ 6:30 A.M.)

  • Confidence remains high that a strong storm system will bring wintry precipitation to Kentucky this weekend.
  • A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Eastern Kentucky from 7:00 A.M. Saturday, Jan 24th to 7:00 A.M. Monday, Jan 26th (EST)
  • The forecast continues to trend toward mixed precipitation (snow/sleet/freezing rain), which could change expected snow totals.
  • Regardless of precipitation type, moderate to major impacts to travel and infrastructure remain possible.

TIMING OVERVIEW

  • The storm is expected to begin in the Southwestern area of Pike County on Saturday, Jan 24th, between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and will likely start as snow.
  • Conditions are predicted to start as snow and shift to a wintry mix, including sleet and freezing rain.
  • Impacts may continue into Sunday night/early Monday morning, and cold temperatures are expected to remain after precipitation ends.

COLD WEATHER REMINDER

  • In addition to precipitation, the NWS briefing indicates a prolonged period of very cold temperatures, including the potential for single-digit wind chills. Please plan ahead and dress appropriately if you must be outside.

WHAT UPIKE IS DOING

The Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) is activated and actively preparing for this winter weather event.

  • Operational coordination with campus leadership and key partners
  • Review of staffing, response plans and readiness priorities
  • Preparing campus infrastructure and critical services
  • Coordinating on university travel, including athletics and other sponsored travel decisions
  • Preparing to issue timely, clear campus communications as conditions evolve

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE (SIMPLE, PRACTICAL STEPS)

To help you stay safe and comfortable this weekend:

  • Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of hazardous conditions
  • Charge devices and have flashlights/batteries ready
  • Keep your vehicle fueled and stocked with basic emergency supplies
  • Dress in layers and limit time outdoors in extreme cold
  • Check on friends and neighbors—especially those who may need help

HOW UPDATES WILL BE SHARED

We will make decisions on campus operations as quickly and responsibly as possible, and we will communicate with clarity and consistency.

If conditions impact campus operations, updates will be shared through:

  • University email notifications
  • UPIKE website updates and emergency messaging
  • Official University social media channels

Thank you for preparing in advance and supporting a safe weekend for our campus community. A calm, prepared approach makes all the difference, and we truly appreciate the way our campus community looks out for one another. When we stay informed and take time to prepare with a steady, supportive mindset, we help build a stronger, safer UPIKE community.

– Chris Robinson, Dean of Students