FRANKFORT, Ky. — In advance of the severe weather moving into the state Friday night, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., has declared a State of Emergency. As Spectrum News 1 meteorologists have reported, strong winds, hail, flooding and tornadoes are a possibility.

“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.”

The governor has activated the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center, and units of the Kentucky National Guard are standing ready to respond. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet staff and crews are on alert, and local emergency management leaders are working to keep Kentuckians everywhere informed.

Beshear has implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling. Stay up-to-date with the storm on the free Spectrum News 1 app.