State of emergency declared in Kentucky as severe weather approaches

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday afternoon on the cusp of the arrival of dangerous weather on its way to the Bluegrass.

The May 16 declaration was announced just after 4 p.m. on Friday and calls for state emergency officials to execute the Kentucky Emergency Operations Plan, activating relief organizations, and coordinating response efforts statewide.

Kentucky National Guard troops are also standing ready to respond, with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews also on alert, officials said.

“Once again we have a dangerous weather system sweeping across the commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “We expect a significant round of weather coming this afternoon and into tonight that will produce strong winds that could lead to power outages, a possibility of hail, flooding and potential for tornadoes. We need everyone to be really careful and make sure you have weather alerts on and are at a location where you can seek safety if needed.”

Severe weather in Kentucky touched down early Friday morning, causing over 10,000 customers to lose power across the Commonwealth.

State leaders wrote in the state of emergency declaration that the American Red Cross would be coordinating at the local level to see if schools and other public facilities across the state could be used as shelters.

For emergency preparation resources and tips, visit the Kentucky Emergency Management website.

Around 3 p.m. on Friday, Kentucky Emergency Management, alongside FEMA officials, announced that Disaster Recovery Centers across the state would be temporarily closed due to inclement weather.

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