FRANKFORT, Ky. — President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have approved federal public assistance for 18 Kentucky counties impacted by the severe winter storm that struck the state in late January, Gov. Andy Beshear announced.

The January 24-26 winter storm left 22 people dead and prompted all 120 Kentucky counties to be placed under winter storm warnings, with 109 declaring states of emergency.

The approved counties are: Allen, Barren, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Jackson, Laurel, Lee, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne and Whitley.

The funding through FEMA's Public Assistance Program provides grants to local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations for disaster recovery efforts. "This is critical support that will help Kentuckians recover and rebuild," Beshear said in announcing the approval on May 31.

The winter storm dumped up to nine inches of snow across some areas of the state while bringing significant ice accumulation and dangerously cold temperatures. In Lexington, ice and snow-covered roads created travel challenges and contributed to prolonged school closures as crews worked to clear streets.