Gov. Beshear Declares State of Emergency Ahead of 4-Day Severe Weather Event With Possible Tornadoes
Governor activates emergency response, price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 2, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the first round of severe storms that are expected to last for four days. The storm is especially concerning for far Western Kentucky, which is going to see potentially historic amounts of rain, and strong winds with the possibility of tornadoes are in the forecast for much of Kentucky.
In a video message, the Governor said far Western Kentucky is facing a severe weather risk at a Level 5, which means there could be widespread severe storms that are intense and long-lived. Across the state there are concerns about tornadoes, hail, flooding and strong winds. The Governor is urging all Kentuckians to find a safe place to stay tonight.
“Tornadoes are expected, and I know that’s tough to hear. And we are most concerned about the area of Western Kentucky that has gotten hit far too much, as well as a wider area of Western Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “Remember, these can be strong tornadoes, EF-2 and greater. We’re really concerned about people’s safety, especially in the overnight, because when storms or tornadoes hit while people are asleep, that’s sadly when we’ve lost the most people. So, everybody out there, be really careful.”
The Governor is taking action by activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and crews are also on alert, and local emergency management leaders are working to keep Kentuckians everywhere informed.
Gov. Beshear also implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather, Donate Life Month, action to support federal employees and the final winner of the New Kentucky Home giveaway. Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, joined the Governor to provide an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor also made a leadership announcement and named Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star as he will be retiring Aug. 1.
Severe Weather
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather moving through the commonwealth. Wednesday, the Governor declared a state of emergency ahead of the first round of severe storms. Thus far, there have not been any fatalities reported, but there have been a few injuries, as well as damage to buildings and other property.
“We are thankful everyone is safe, but the next thing we have to do is make sure everyone remains weather aware over the next few days,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will continue to see heavy rains, and flash flooding is expected in Western Kentucky.”
More waves of storms are expected Thursday afternoon and evening. Heavy rain, high winds and hail are all possible, with a chance for isolated tornadoes in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. On Friday, the highest area of concern is far Western Kentucky, and Saturday, storms are expected throughout the state. With heavy rain coming through the next few days, the National Weather Service is expecting major flooding, with particular concern in Western Kentucky. Kentuckians should remain weather aware, have multiple ways to get weather alerts and be prepared to find higher ground if necessary.
Emergency management remains activated, swift water rescue teams are activated, including assistance from Vermont, and soldiers and airmen from the Kentucky National Guard are actively supporting communities and emergency management partners. As of Thursday morning, there were 32,604 power outages across the commonwealth. Kentucky State Police received a total of 3,464 calls Wednesday night. State highway crews are working across the state, clearing trees and debris, and assisting utility crews clearing downed power lines, to reopen roads. At least 25 state highways are blocked by floodwater so far, mainly in Western Kentucky. Check GoKY.ky.gov for road closures The Governor urged Kentuckians to be careful on the roads and never drive through standing water.
Donate Life Month
The Governor recognized April as Donate Life Month, raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. Representatives from the National Kidney Foundation, Network for Hope, Second Chance at Life and Donate Life KY, transplant surgeons from UK Healthcare and UofL Health, donors and family members of transplant recipients joined the news conference to be recognized.
“More than 100,000 Americans – and more than 1,000 Kentuckians – are on the organ transplant list, waiting for that phone call that could save their life,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is where you can help a neighbor in need. You can register today to become an organ, eye and tissue donor through the National Donate Life Registry at RegisterMe.org, regional driver licensing offices or at any Circuit Court Clerk’s office.”
Team Kentucky for Federal Employees
The Governor provided an update on action the commonwealth is taking to support federal employees who may have lost their jobs due to action taken by the federal administration. Team Kentucky is working to make it easier for displaced federal employees to find employment. The Personnel Cabinet is hosting a virtual career fair on April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon EDT. The cabinet has also established a hotline with career counselors available at 502-564-8030. If you or someone you know has been impacted by federal layoffs, please visit TeamKY4FedEmployees.ky.gov for a comprehensive list of resources.
New Kentucky Home Giveaway
The Governor announced the final winner of the #NewKYHome giveaway, which provided a free, two-night stay at a Kentucky State Park for sharing positive photos about the commonwealth. Today’s winner was Skylar Dickerson, who took a picture of Lexington in spring bloom.
“Thank you to everyone who participated the last few months,” said Gov. Beshear. “Because of you, more people know why our New Kentucky Home is the best place to invest, work, live and visit. While the giveaway is over, we hope folks will continue to share their photos highlighting our great commonwealth.”
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, a one-year initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For April, the initiative is highlighting mental health, and Dr. Stack encouraged Kentuckians to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, maintain strong social connections and have serious conversations with friends and family members about mental health. Dr. Stack also highlighted the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing mental health-related distress.
Leadership Announcement and Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star, as he will be retiring Aug. 1. Dr. Steven Stack, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, will take over as the new secretary of the cabinet.
“Most Kentuckians know these two leaders, because they helped us through a once-in-a-century pandemic,” said Gov. Beshear. “Secretary Friedlander has spent more than 40 years in public service, working day in and day out to help our Kentucky families. His retirement is certainly deserved. And Dr. Stack is more than ready to take on this job. He has shown leadership in the most difficult of times, and now we get to work together to make people healthier, solve some of the complicated medical and health problems facing our commonwealth and improve the lives of Kentuckians.”
“It has been an honor to serve the Governor and the commonwealth,” said Secretary Friedlander. “And it is so wonderful to know that we are turning the cabinet over to someone who has been such a tremendous leader, and has so much wisdom, Dr. Stack. To the Cabinet for Health and Family Service employees, thank you. It has been an honor to serve you.”
“Thank you to Secretary Friedlander for his leadership and thank you to Gov. Beshear for the privilege to serve the people of Kentucky in this new role,” said Dr. Stack. “Public Health and Health and Family Services is essential to ensuring we have healthier people and healthier communities. I will continue to remind Kentuckians how much more we can do together than divided.”
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Gov. Beshear Signs Bills That Support Cancer Screenings, Economic Growth and Aim To Combat Antisemitism
Another bill adds protections for contractors and subcontractors
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 2, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear has taken additional action by signing four more pieces of legislation that do more to support Kentucky families, communities, businesses and universities.
“Today, I was proud to sign a bill that will help more Kentuckians get lifesaving colon cancer screenings,” said Gov. Beshear. “Through these new laws, we are also doing more to support our local communities in attracting new jobs and more visitors, as well as combatting antisemitism at our Kentucky colleges and universities.”
Gov. Beshear signed the following bills, which will become law on their effective dates:
House Bill 421 requires health insurance plans to cover colonoscopies and other exams to detect colon cancer. The Governor said, “Sixty percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented through regular screenings. Think about how many Kentuckians could live healthy lives if they just get an exam. And with this legislation, even more Kentuckians will have access to these exams.”
House Bill 606 supports job and tourism growth by allowing local governments to create special taxing districts to support regional economic development projects and establishes a sales tax incentive to support entertainment events.
Senate Bill 76 increases the threshold for the creation of escrow accounts for real estate improvement contracts, which will help contractors and subcontractors receive payments they are owed.
Senate Joint Resolution 55 directs Kentucky colleges and universities to implement policies to address antisemitism. The Governor received a letter from 13 members of the Kentucky Antisemitism Task Force, which the Governor created in 2023. Signatories include the executive director and board members of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass and the president and CEO and board members of the Jewish Federation of Louisville. The members wrote that they are lending their support to the resolution because it requires Kentucky universities to inform all students, and not just Jewish students, of their rights and protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also tasks universities with collecting data on hate crimes regarding antisemitism and discrimination in general.
The 2025 regular session concluded on Friday, March 28.
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