FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the commonwealth starting Monday, April 1. More storms are continuing into the evening today.
The storms have produced heavy rain, hail, lightning, possible tornadoes and intense damaging winds across much of the commonwealth. There have been reports of damage to property, and thousands of Kentuckians are without power.
“We have reports of substantial damage to a number of structures – and thankfully, as of right now we are not aware of any fatalities,” Beshear said. “We need all Kentuckians to stay weather aware as we brace for more severe weather throughout the afternoon and evening.”
Due to pending weather conditions, the governor closed all Executive Branch state office buildings Tuesday, April 2, beginning at 1 p.m. EDT. The Kentucky Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort has been activated, with essential partners providing support as needed.
The Governor also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
Emergency managers and other emergency personnel, including Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, have been deployed to affected areas to assist.
Gov. Beshear added, “We are thankful for all the first responders and transportation employees who are out there helping to clear roadways and keep Kentuckians safe.”
Drivers should be aware that some roads are blocked due to downed trees and power lines and are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Severe Storms
April 2, 2024 — This afternoon, after declaring a state of emergency as severe storms continue to sweep through the commonwealth, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing response to protect Kentucky families.
“We have more severe weather on the way, and the most important thing we can do right now is make sure everyone has a plan to stay safe,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are thankful to those who are working to keep others informed – as well as our first responders and utility and transportation workers who are restoring power and clearing roadways.”
The storms, which started Monday, April 1, continue to produce heavy rain, hail, lightning, tornadoes and intense damaging winds across Kentucky.
Storm updates include:
- No reported injuries.
- The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-1 tornado in Nelson County and an EF-1 tornado in Anderson County. A review is ongoing in Mercer County.
- Damage reported in Anderson, Bath, Ballard, Bourbon, Boyd, Carter, Clark, Elliott, Fayette, Greenup, Kenton, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mercer, Montgomery, Nelson, Powell, Union and Woodford counties.
- Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
- Written disaster declarations have been received from Boyd County; Greenup County; city of Ashland and city of Catlettsburg.
- Verbal disaster declarations have been received from Bourbon, Clark, Elliott, Jessamine and Kenton counties and the city of Villa Hill.
- Current power outages: 31,650.
- Gov. Beshear closed all Executive Branch state office buildings Tuesday, April 2, beginning at 1 p.m. EDT.
- The Governor activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. Consumers can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
- Emergency managers and other emergency personnel, including Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, are responding.
Gov. Beshear reminds Kentuckians to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov, as some roads are blocked due to downed trees and power lines.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
