UPDATE: Gov. Andy Beshear provides weather update for Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates Friday on weather conditions in Kentucky stemming from hurricane Helene.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m., Beshear said nearly 22,000 homes were without power in Kentucky, which has since climbed to 221,000 as of 4:30 p.m. The governor said while there was no significant flooding this morning and no major road closures, this is expected to change.

He said his team expects the impacts to get more significant as we move through the day.

State employees were sent home at 10:30 a.m. EST.

Shortly before 4:30 p.m., Beshear stated on social media that a state of emergency has been declared for Boyd, Breathitt, Clark, Clay, Lee, Letcher, Magoffin and Wolfe counties, along with the cities of Ashland, Catlettsburg, Clay City and Winchester.

He said the state of the roads for travel today could become significant.

The governor says the system could stop right above central Kentucky and cause 3 to 5 inches of rain through the end of Sunday.

Flooding is the largest concern, and drivers should be aware of this possibility. Beshear says drivers should not attempt to drive through flood water or drive around barriers blocking the road.

If you do choose to travel on the road, Beshear said drivers are encouraged to give full attention to their surroundings.

Power outages are also possible, as well as downed trees that could lead to those outages.

Beshear said the largest amount of wind was expected around noon Friday.

News 40 will continue to provide the latest information as it is released.