Gov. Andy Beshear's office says it's activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and Kentucky National Guard units stand ready to respond.
“Once again we have a dangerous weather system sweeping across the commonwealth,” 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.”
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are on alert, and local emergency management leaders are working to keep Kentuckians everywhere informed.
According to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Louisville, the eastern portion of Kentucky, which includes Lexington, is under the enhanced risk zone of 3 out of 5. The state's western half faces a moderate risk zone of 4 out of 5.
According to the NWS, storms Friday afternoon and evening could produce damaging winds, large hail, potentially strong tornadoes, and torrential rainfall. There is also a slight chance of localized flash flooding.