Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency for Kentucky ahead of severe weather: ‘Find a safe place to stay tonight'
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of the first round of severe storms approaching the Commonwealth the evening of Tuesday, April 2.
This bout of severe weather is forecasted to span four days and bring potentially 'historic' amounts of rainfall, strong winds, and tornadic conditions.
Latest central Kentucky weather forecast
In a video message, Beshear emphasized that western Kentucky faces the highest risk of widespread severe storms expected to be 'intense and long-lived.' Across the Commonwealth, the oncoming storms raise concerns about tornadoes, hail, flooding, and strong winds.
Beshear urges all Kentuckians to 'find a safe place to stay tonight.'
'Tornadoes are expected, and I know that's tough to hear. 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,' Beshear said on Tuesday.
The governor stressed that his biggest concern lies in the storm's timing.
Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency for Kentucky ahead of severe weather: 'Find a safe place to stay tonight'
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'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,' he said.
The Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and Kentucky National Guard units are on standby. According to Beshear, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and crews are also on alert, and local emergency management leaders are working around the clock.
Be sure to follow your local emergency management page for the latest updates for your area.
Read more of the latest Kentucky news
Kentucky's price gouging laws have also been activated to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services in the storm's aftermath.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling here. Click here for more emergency preparedness information.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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