LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (CNN) -- National Guard troops were going door to door Sunday in Kentucky, checking on families in the worst-hit areas of what Gov. Steve Beshear called "the biggest natural disaster that this state has ever experienced in modern history."

The devastating ice storm has been blamed for at least seven deaths in Kentucky, Beshear said. In total, 21 deaths have been reported in the state since the storm hit on Tuesday, but authorities could not immediately confirm whether all were directly storm-related.

The "unprecedented" call-up of the National Guard includes 4,600 troops in various roles.

Of 120 counties in the state, 92 had declared emergencies, the governor's office said. More than 400,000 customers were without power.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/02/01/winter.weather/index.html