Kentucky Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Severe Storms

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of severe weather expected to hit western Kentucky on Friday evening, with the Jackson Purchase area particularly at risk for "long-track, violent tornadoes." The rest of Kentucky should expect violent thunderstorms followed by strong winds with gusts up to 55 miles per hour. The governor has ordered all Kentucky state office buildings located in the central time zone to close at 3 p.m. Central Time and urged residents to take the severe weather seriously and be prepared.