FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the commonwealth March 14, opening up critical emergency services and funding. The governor also activated price gouging protections for Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services while they clean up from the storms.

The severe storms produced an EF2 tornado, large hail and strong winds that damaged property and infrastructure, and disrupted utilities. The state of emergency allows the state to help affected communities and families, including opening up General Butler State Resort Park, where 33 people are currently sheltering.

“We have significant damage to a number of structures, especially in Milton, in Trimble County. Though, thankfully, every report we have received, up until now, indicates there have been no fatalities and only a couple of minor injuries — and that is the most important thing,” Beshear said.

The governor said he was going to travel to Milton, Kentucky, where the tornado touched down. “My promise is that we are going to work with everybody to do the very best to support them during this difficult time,” he said.

With the state of emergency in place, Kentuckians can report price gouging to the attorney general’s office.

The governor’s office said Beshear had been in direct contact with county judges and mayors involved, and visited the state’s Emergency Operations Center to get updates.

The administration reported that no fatalities and only a couple of injuries had been reported so far. They shared emergency declarations were made in Carroll, Gallatin and Trimble counties.

Currently, there are 5,973 Kentuckians are without power, with Trimble County having 3,914 without power. Crews are working around the clock to restore power.

Officials say over 100 structures were damaged from the storms.

A portion of Kentucky Highway 36, stretching from Trimble County into Carroll County, remains closed to traffic while crews work to clear roads of trees and fallen debris. KYTC said the road is expected to remain closed for approximately three days. Traffic is being diverted to US 421 and US 42.

Beshear said Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have been sent to affect areas to help. KYTC staff have also assisted Kentucky Emergency Management with drinking water deliveries to Trimble County.