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.

With the additional rain expected on top of recent downpours, Kentucky is bracing for 2 to 5 inches of rainfall, with river flooding being a primary concern in various regions of the state.

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

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 has declared a state of emergency ahead of the heavy rain expected to hit the Bluegrass this weekend.

We want everyone to be careful,” Gov. Beshear said. “The amount of rain coming down will make it hard to drive, and flash flooding, especially across our roads, can create dangerous conditions."