ASHLAND — Kentucky has been under a state of emergency since Tuesday afternoon because of the powerful winter storm that has dumped snow and ice across the state.

Boyd County Judge-Executive William “Bud” Stevens declared an emergency in the early morning hours Wednesday, putting into motion the local emergency operations plan.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area through 4 p.m. with freezing rain changing over to heavy snow around noon.

A flood watch was in effect through 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Residents are being advised not to go out of their homes unless it is absolutely necessary, saidAmber Russell, deputy director of the Ashland-Boyd County-Catlettsburg Office of Emergency Management. Russell said she considers this to mean an emergency for which 911 should be called anyway.

Greenup County Emergency Management director Dennis Bass echoed Russell. He said emergency responders were having some trouble with radio communications but added, “We still have good communications.”

Emergency responders were continuing to be overwhelmed with calls and were being forced to prioritize them.

As of noon there were no reported deaths or serious injuries in the area as a result of the storm.

Trees and power lines were down across the region knocking out power and making roads impassable in many areas. Ashland’s Central Park was also closed as well because of falling tree limbs.

According to Kentucky Power, at approximately 11 a.m. there were more than 18,000 customers without power in Boyd, Carter, Lawrence and Greenup counties. Extensive power outages were also being reported throughout eastern Kentucky.

Time Warner Cable service was also out to many local customers because of a power outage in Richmond, but local broadcast stations were accessible on local cable channels.

Dozens of businesses and all local schools and colleges were closed Wednesday across the region as heavy snow was beginning to fall.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.