Video Note: Despite the timestamp of this article, the video above is the latest forecast from the Weather Bureau.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) – Helene has already proven deadly across the South, and Kentucky is looming dangerously close as severe weather causes traffic disruptions and wrecks.

As of 4:14 p.m., at least 27 people have died as a result of the storm that has rolled through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, according to aggregate reports from Nexstar, FOX 56’s parent company.

A state of emergency has been declared in some Kentucky communities, but no official storm-related deaths have been announced as of 4:40 p.m

LATEST NEWS FROM KENTUCKY:

Multiple law enforcement agencies in Kentucky reported wrecks, accidents and downed trees. Combined with widespread power outages across central and eastern Kentucky, more collisions are possible.

The Lexington Police Department said road crews and utility companies are working to remove road hazards and restore power to intersections, but people who need to be on the roads must use caution.

The department said that between midnight and 2 p.m. on Friday, it received calls regarding 11 collisions with injuries, 33 collisions without injuries, 16 cases requiring assistance for drivers or citizens and 221 road traffic hazards.

What to do if the traffic light is flashing or dark

LPD says anyone traveling through areas with intersections without power should keep the following in mind:

• No traffic lights: When traffic lights are turned off, treat the intersection as a four-way stop and come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection with caution, traffic permitting.

• Flashes yellow: When traffic lights are flashing yellow, use caution when crossing the intersection if traffic permits.

• Flashes red: When a traffic light is flashing red, treat it as a stop sign and come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection, using caution if traffic permits.

The department asks drivers to follow all instructions issued by officers when responding to traffic and road hazards.

Lexington gave FOX 56 the most complete look at road damage and hazards, but other areas reported some concerns.

A state of emergency was declared in Kentucky counties after Helene brought severe storms

The Georgetown Fire Department reported a fire caused by a power line after a tree branch fell, causing a live power line to fall onto a shed. The department said the shed was completely destroyed, but no one was injured.

At approximately 3:40 p.m., the London Laurel Rescue Squad reported that at least one person had been taken to hospital following a car crash at the intersection of West Highway 192 and 363.

Many people and departments in central Kentucky reported downed trees and damaged buildings on social media.

How to report a downed power line:

Anyone who comes across a downed power line should assume it is still energized and not attempt to move it.

A state of emergency was declared in Kentucky counties after Helene brought severe storms

Stay in your vehicle and never drive over a fallen power line.

You should call your utility company or local police department.

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