State of Emergency Declared in Kentucky

Governor Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency for the entire commonwealth of Kentucky. Here's what that means:

A state of emergency declaration will allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.

It is a prerequisite in the event the governor wants to mobilize the National Guard for support, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

People are urged to stay off the roads so that road crews can work to clear the snow. There should be no unnecessary travel.

Here's exactly what Governor Beshear said:

"This storm system is still dumping snow across much of the state and temperatures are forecast to drop further.

Some areas may see accumulation of up to 16 inches, making it one of the worst storms in recent history. By declaring a state of emergency now for the entire state, we can deploy any needed state assistance, including National Guard troops if necessary, without delay."