Beshear warns of 'very concerning forecast' this week as severe weather approaches

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news conference Tuesday morning from Frankfort that the National Weather Service is preparing for this week's "very concerning forecast."

There are threats of large hail, high winds and tornadoes through Thursday morning. Beshear said everyone needs to be weather aware, just like they were in April, when several tornadoes touched down around Louisville.

"While we saw a lot of damage, we didn't have many injuries during that because people were weather aware," Beshear said Tuesday morning. "We need you to be just as weather aware this afternoon into Thursday morning, because this early forecast is worse than the forecast we received before that event."

In preparation for the weather, Jefferson County Public Schools canceled all athletic and outdoor activities after school Tuesday.

Beshear said if you don't know where to go during a tornado, contact your local emergency management official now.

"Our No. 1 priority is to make sure everyone stays safe," Beshear said. "We know severe weather can come on very quickly, and with the possibility of tornadoes and flash flooding in the forecast, we need everyone to take action now by making a plan to keep you and your family safe."

Beshear said he's closing all state office buildings at 2 p.m. Tuesday to help employees make it home safely.

"Our Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated and essential partners stand ready to provide support as needed," he said. "We urge Kentuckians in need of a safe place to shelter to contact their local emergency management office or official."

To see the latest weather forecast, click here. And the WDRB weather team will have the latest updates all week on air and on the WDRB Weather App. You can download that right now on the Apple Store and Google Play.