Governor activates emergency response, price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians

Lawrence County KY Emergency Management

TORNADO WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED UNTIL 3:00 AM SATURDAY MORNING!

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 16, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as a dangerous weather system is moving through the state this afternoon through tonight. Strong winds, hail, flooding and tornadoes are possible across much of the state.

“Once again we have a dangerous weather system sweeping across the commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “We expect a significant round of weather coming this afternoon and into tonight that will produce strong winds that could lead to power outages, a possibility of hail, flooding and potential for tornadoes. We need everyone to be really careful and make sure you have weather alerts on and are at a location where you can seek safety if needed.”

The Governor is taking action by activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center, and units of the Kentucky National Guard are standing 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 storms. 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.