FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the arctic blast forecasted to roll through Kentucky Thursday night, which is set to bring subzero wind chills and some snow accumulations.

Beshear signed the order during a briefing held with state and local leaders Wednesday morning. He also urged all of Kentucky's 120 counties to operate at least one warming center through the holiday weekend, as temperatures aren't expected to rise above freezing until Monday.

"We don’t want to lose anyone to this weather front," Beshear said. "Please make a plan and get prepared, and make a list of people you need to check in on, especially during this Christmas holiday.”

A powerful cold front will sweep through Kentucky Thursday night, bringing a drastic and quick drop in temperatures. A Flash Freeze is very possible, meaning moisture on the ground from prior showers may freeze, causing slick and icy spots on roads. Snowfall accumulations will be lower, but areas of western Kentucky currently have the best chance for multiple inches.

Beshear said those traveling for the Christmas holiday are urged to get to their destination by midday on Thursday. Roads and bridges have been and will continue to be brined and salted ahead of the cold front in hopes of preventing treacherous travel conditions, officials said.

Wind chills to stay below zero from Friday through Christmas morning on Sunday. In these types of conditions, frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes of exposure. Temperatures that low can be deadly, which is why many shelters and nonprofits have geared up ahead of time to keep Kentuckians warm and safe.

The governor also took steps to prevent price gouging in Kentucky, protecting consumers from unfair prices on shovels, heaters and other winter weather essentials.

KYEM Director Jeremy Slinker talked about being weather-aware and the work to help those in Eastern Kentucky and warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia.

“In the event of a power outage, never use a generator indoors,” Slinker said. “Place the generator a safe distance from the home – at least 10 to 15 feet. Please use carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. 

If you must travel by car, pack an emergency winter survival kit. Because strong winds could knock out power, know how to extend your phone's battery life. If you live where frozen pipes could become an issue, do what you can to protect them.