FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — According to the National Weather Service, 12 tornadoes touched down in the following Kentucky counties:
- EF-1 - Jessamine County
- EF-1 - Bourbon County
- EF-1 - Anderson County
- EF-1 - Nelson County
- EF-1 - Boyd County
- EF-2 - Boyd County (different location)
- EF-1 - Mason County
- EF-1 - Clark County
- EF-1 - Oldham County
- EF-1 - Henry County
- EF-1 - McCracken County
- EF-2 - Jefferson County
A tornado watch is also in effect until 10:00 p.m. for a portion of Kentucky, as well as Indiana and Ohio.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio until 10 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/6LQurBgia6
— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) April 2, 2024
The news comes as Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center Tuesday afternoon as severe storms continue to sweep through the commonwealth.
"We have more severe weather on the way, and the most important thing we can do right now is make sure everyone has a plan to stay safe," Gov. Beshear said. "We are thankful to those who are working to keep others informed – as well as our first responders and utility and transportation workers who are restoring power and clearing roadways."
The storms are producing heavy rain, hail, lightning, tornadoes, and intense damaging winds across Kentucky.
The governor's office says while no injuries have been reported from the storms thus far, damage has been reported in 19 of Kentucky's 120 counties.
The counties include: Anderson, Bath, Ballard, Bourbon, Boyd, Carter, Clark, Elliott, Fayette, Greenup, Kenton, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mercer, Montgomery, Nelson, Powell, Union and Woodford counties.
Written disaster declarations have been received from Boyd County, Greenup County, the City of Ashland, and the City of Catlettsburg. Verbal disaster declarations have been received from Bourbon, Clark, Elliott, Jessamine, and Kenton counties as well as the city of Villa Hill.
More than 30,000 customers are without power across Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear says Kentuckians should check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov as some roads are blocked due to downed trees and power lines.
