Hazard, Perry officials update WSGS on storm outages and NTI days

Ongoing power and water outages from the Jan. 26 snow and ice storm have prompted on-air briefings from Hazard and Perry County officials to WSGS, with rolling school closings and non-traditional instruction days affecting Hazard Independent and Perry schools.

The weekend storm left roads slick and utility systems stressed, officials said during updates, and the situation prompted school leaders to shift some instruction to NTI to keep students safe while infrastructure is repaired. The announcements mean students in Hazard Independent and Perry will follow remote or alternative learning plans as determined by their school districts until conditions permit a safe return to classrooms.

For many Perry County residents the practical impacts go beyond missed classes. Loss of power and water complicates daily needs like cooking, heating, and personal hygiene, and it poses particular challenges for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and households that rely on electrically powered medical devices. Community institutions such as daycares, clinics, and small businesses also face disruption when utilities are unreliable.

Local officials provided updates over the radio to keep residents informed as conditions evolve. Those updates have included rolling closings and NTI declarations, which are designed to allow schools to continue instruction while avoiding hazardous travel. School staff and district administrators must now balance continuity of learning with equity concerns: not all students have reliable internet access or devices at home, and extended NTI periods can widen gaps for families already facing transportation, housing, or broadband barriers.

Public health and emergency response remain priorities as crews and county services work to restore normal operations. Residents are encouraged to check local broadcasts and official county channels for the latest announcements on service restorations and school scheduling. Community organizations and neighbors often fill gaps during outages, and coordinating volunteer support for isolated residents can be a key way to reduce harm from prolonged utility interruptions.

As the county transitions from immediate storm response to recovery, officials will continue to issue rolling updates. For families and caregivers, the near-term focus is on safety and basic needs: follow local advisories about travel and school status, confirm alternative learning arrangements with your child’s school, and reach out to neighbors who may need help heating their homes or accessing potable water. Longer term, the episode underscores the need for investment in resilient infrastructure and equitable access to education resources so Perry County can better withstand future storms.