FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., has declared a state of emergency ahead of potential severe weather, which is expected to impact the commonwealth beginning tonight, April 2, and could last up to four days. 

Far western Kentucky is facing Level 5 severe weather risk, meaning there could be widespread severe storms that could be intense and long-lived. Beshear said he urges all Kentuckians to find a safe place to stay tonight.

“Tornadoes are expected, and I know that’s tough to hear," Beshear said. "And we are most concerned about the area of western Kentucky that has gotten hit far too much, as well as a wider area of western Kentucky."

"Remember, these can be strong tornadoes, EF-2 and greater. We’re really concerned about people’s safety, especially in the overnight, because when storms or tornadoes hit while people are asleep, that’s sadly when we’ve lost the most people. So, everybody out there, be really careful.”

According to a release, Beshear is activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and crews are also on alert. 

The release added Beshear activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

For real-time updates on road conditions, Kentuckians can visit GoKY.ky.gov.

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