Gov. Beshear Declares State of Emergency Following Tornado, Severe Storms
Governor activates price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the commonwealth Thursday.
The storms produced a tornado, heavy rain, large hail and strong winds that damaged private property and public infrastructure and disrupted utilities. The state of emergency allows the state to further help affected communities and families, including opening up General Butler State Resort Park, where 33 individuals are currently sheltering.
“We have significant damage to a number of structures, especially in Milton, in Trimble County. Though, thankfully, every report we have received, up until now, indicates there have been no fatalities and only a couple of minor injuries – and that is the most important thing,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am going to be on the ground tomorrow morning in Milton to see the damage myself. My promise is that we are going to work with everybody to do the very best to support them during this difficult time.”
The Governor also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.
Yesterday, the Governor was in direct contact with county judges and mayors involved and visited the state’s Emergency Operations Center to get updates.
Storm Updates
- No fatalities and only a couple of minor injuries were reported.
- Emergency declarations from Carroll, Gallatin and Trimble counties. A tornado has been confirmed in Trimble County.
- 5,973 customers are currently without power, with Trimble County having 3,914. Crews are working around the clock to restore power.
- General Butler State Resort Park is sheltering 33 individuals.
- Likely over 100 structures were damaged.
- Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated with essential partners to provide support as needed.
- Emergency managers and other emergency personnel, including Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), have deployed to affected areas to assist.
- A portion of Kentucky Highway 36 stretching from Trimble County into Carroll County remains closed to motorists, and state highway crews are working to clear roads of fallen trees and debris.
- KYTC staff have also assisted Kentucky Emergency Management with drinking water deliveries to Trimble County.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
