The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for many Kentucky counties including Jefferson County, Bullitt County, Meade County, and Hardin County. until 3 am Saturday.

Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of severe weather conditions likely to roll across Kentucky overnight.

Also Read | How Barcelona plan on paying Lionel Messi if and when he returns to Camp Nou

Beshear ordered all state offices to close at at 3 pm Central time due to the severe weather forecast, which calls for high-speed winds and rain throughout the state, with the worst expected in Western Kentucky and the Jackson purchase area. The emergency also enacts laws to prevent price gouging.

Also Read | Fake Morgan Freeman video ‘blasting’ President Joe Biden goes viral on social media: Watch

“This is the worst forecast I’ve seen as Governor,” Beshear said in a statement. “I am declaring a state of emergency so that we can be prepared. We are taking this very seriously and we need you to take this seriously, too,” he said.

Beshear also suggested residents in Western Kentucky find a safe shelter by 5 pm CT.

Also Read | Who are Georgiana Naghel and Luana Radu, Andrew Tate’s co-accused in human-trafficking case?

In a statement released on Thursday, the NWS’s local office said Louisville faced a slight risk of severe weather on Friday, with the chance of significant storms higher in Western Kentucky. By Friday, the warning has been updated to an “enhanced risk,” with tornadoes expected in a state’s western region.

Temperatures will fall into the 60s this afternoon. Some low 70s and upper 60s are possible if we see peeks of sunshine.

Also Read | Tekashi 6ix9ine and Lenier drop ‘Bori’: Shot in Cuba, music video features rapper receiving treatment after gym attack

Residents in the Tri-State will witness severe weather starting at around 10 pm Friday. A cold front pushing through could attract high winds and isolated tornadoes. Wind gusts as fast as 75 miles per hour are also expected. All Kentucky residents are requested to avoid calling 911 for any weather or traffic updates. If you know someone is stranded on the road, call Kentucky State Police at 800-222-5555.