July 19, 2025

Kentucky Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Storms

News Summary

Governor Andy Beshear has officially declared a state of emergency in Kentucky as severe storms are predicted to impact the state, starting Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall, with the potential for tornadoes. Residents are urged to be vigilant, activate weather alerts, and prepare for possible flooding and hazardous travel conditions. Floyd County schools have suspended dismissals to prioritize safety. This declaration enables immediate access to resources for response and recovery from severe weather effects.

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency in Kentucky as severe storms are anticipated to sweep through the state beginning Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville has warned residents to prepare for potentially dangerous weather, which includes damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of tornadoes.

The forecast indicates that a significant wave of thunderstorms could generate winds of hurricane strength, reaching 74 mph or higher. These severe conditions are expected to impact much of Kentucky, particularly the areas from Lexington to Paducah, which are under a moderate risk in the severe weather outlook.

Governor Beshear has urged residents to remain vigilant and ensure that their weather alerts are activated to stay informed about the evolving situation. Rainfall amounts are anticipated to range from 1 to 3 inches, which could lead to flooding concerns, especially in Fayette County, where a flash flood watch is currently in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday.

Travel and Safety Advisories

As the storm approaches, residents in Lexington are advised to wrap up any necessary travel by 7 p.m. Friday, as severe weather is expected to peak between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. During this time, driving is discouraged due to anticipated hazardous conditions.

In response to the severe weather forecast, Floyd County schools have decided to not dismiss students at the scheduled times. This precaution is in place due to ongoing storms and the presence of standing water in low-lying areas, further emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety for students and their families.

Understanding Weather Alerts

The NWS emphasizes the necessity for residents to understand the difference between weather watches and warnings. A weather watch indicates potential hazards that could occur, while a weather warning signifies active threats that are already affecting the area.

Background on the Weather Situation

Severe thunderstorms are not uncommon in Kentucky, especially during this time of year. The state frequently experiences rapidly changing weather patterns, which can lead to extreme conditions, including tornadoes and flash flooding. The current Emergency Declaration by Governor Beshear aims to facilitate immediate access to state resources and assistance in mitigating damage and ensuring public safety as severe weather looms.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local news and weather updates, keep emergency kits ready, and have a plan in place for shelter if necessary. The state is actively working to ensure that any challenges posed by the storm are addressed promptly, with the safety of its residents as the top priority.

As the situation develops, Kentuckians are reminded to remain prepared for potential power outages and to avoid any unnecessary risk during the height of the storm. Taking proper precautions can help mitigate the effects of severe weather and enhance overall community safety in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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