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FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Kentucky on Friday, as a flood watch is in effect from early Saturday through Sunday evening with another two to six inches of rainfall in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Forecasters say this additional precipitation, combined with previous rainfall over the past several days, means significant flooding is possible, including widespread areal, river and isolated flash flooding. The NWS says river flooding is very likely this weekend through next week, especially in locations where the heaviest rain falls.

“We want everyone to be careful,” Beshear said in a social media video post. “The amount of rain coming down will make it hard to drive, and flash flooding, especially across our roads, can create dangerous conditions. And remember, don’t drive through standing water, it can have a current, and it is incredibly dangerous.”

Among the Governor’s actions, activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and crews have also been placed on alert, and local emergency management leaders are working to keep Kentuckians everywhere informed.

Gov. Beshear also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling this weekend, by going to GoKy.ky.gov.

Once the system passes through Kentucky this weekend, that won’t mark the end of unpleasant weather, as very cold conditions are expected through the coming week, with some wintry precipitation possible during the middle of the week.