A state of emergency was declared for Kentucky Friday ahead of torrential downpours expected to bring several inches of rain to the Commonwealth this weekend. Gov. Andy Beshear made the declaration Friday morning as a flood watch is in effect for the entire state.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of heavy rain set to hit the area. Beshear said significant rain could prompt a "major weather event." Sign up for our Newsletters Two to five inches of rain is expected across the commonwealth and could result in river flooding across the state.

Gov. Andy Beshear said he’s alerting swift-water rescue teams and national guard helicopters in preparation for the storm.

“With the previous events we’ve had earlier here in the week with the snow and additional rain, we know there could be some significant issues especially in our areas that have the rivers and other streams,” said Dustin Heiser, assistant director of operations for Kentucky Emergency Management.

Given the 2 to 6 inches of rain predicted to hit Kentucky this weekend, Gov. Andy Beshear's emergency declaration activates teams to help in the event of severe flooding.

Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as a heavy rainstorm is set to hit the Commonwealth, bringing with it the potential for significant flooding.

A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service has been expanded as a system that could bring up to 6 inches of rain in some area moves into the region.