FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on upcoming weather, storm recovery, awards to boost tourism, School Social Work Month and upcoming events at the Capitol. The Governor also named the four new inductees to the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Upcoming Weather
The Governor updated Kentuckians on upcoming weather forecasts for this weekend. Strong non-thunderstorm winds are expected late Friday afternoon into Saturday, with wind gusts in excess of 40 mph likely, especially after midnight. A line of strong to severe storms will also move eastward across the commonwealth on Friday night into early Saturday morning, with the greatest severe risk over Western Kentucky. Primary threats include damaging winds, tornadoes and isolated hail.
Much of this weather is expected to continue into Saturday, with thunderstorms and 1-3 inches of rain possibly leading to flash flooding Saturday afternoon and evening. This includes a chance of minor flooding on the Green River downstream of Munfordville by early next week. These predictions are currently rated as Moderate Risk.
“We are receiving reports of this weather two days in advance, which is uncommon and allows us even more time to prepare,” said Gov. Beshear. “So please take time to prepare for possible bad weather and make a plan to stay safe.”
Storm Recovery
The Governor reported that Kentucky has now received approval for public assistance for an additional 30 counties affected by February flooding and storms. The federal Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes individual assistance for Kentuckians in 14 counties.
As of March 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had approved more than $18.8 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 3,000 Kentucky households. More applications are being processed daily. There are now 11 Disaster Recovery Centers open. State highway closures have decreased to eight, which includes six from mudslides and rockslides. Engineering teams continue to respond and assess damage.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians the state is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals in 14 counties who are out of work due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred in Kentucky beginning Feb. 14, 2025. The deadline to apply for DUA is April 25, 2025.
Kentucky received a two-day extension from the federal government for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which provides food assistance to low-income households affected by natural disasters. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 14, 2025. As of March 10, 2,565 applications had been received and 466 households were approved, which includes 1,699 individuals. The average benefit is more than $660. To apply, call 855-306-8959 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT, or visit your local Department for Community Based Services office. Those receiving SNAP benefits also have until March 17 to request and apply for a replacement of benefits due to power outages and other impacts.
The Governor also reminded Kentuckians that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved disaster loans for 22 Kentucky counties. Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov. The filing deadline for physical property damage is April 25, 2025. The deadline for economic injury applications is Nov. 24, 2025.
Kentucky state parks are sheltering 244 people at five state resort parks and 34 people in travel trailers. Click here and navigate to the “Emergency Shelters” tab for an up-to-date list of shelter locations. Flood survivors are encouraged to visit HousingCantWait.org to fill out an interest form for help with housing. Last week, the Governor designated a new high-ground community in Breathitt County with plans for 17 homes. This brings the total to 8 high-ground communities for flood survivors in five counties.
Kentucky Trail Towns
Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, the Governor announced $543,374 in grant funding to 19 Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote projects that boost the quality of life in Kentucky communities while attracting visitors from across the commonwealth and around the world. For a full list of award recipients, see the full release.
School Social Work Month
The Governor signed a proclamation recognizing March as School Social Work Month in the commonwealth.
“School social workers are our boots on the ground, doing the work every single day to create a positive environment in our schools,” said Gov. Beshear. “They look out for our children and connect them to resources they need to thrive.”
Tish Brookins, certified district school social worker for Jefferson County Public Schools, and Tonya Branch, a mental health specialist for Fayette County Schools, joined the news conference.
“Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for your leadership and for recognizing the essential work of school social workers,” said Brookins. “Together, we are building stronger schools, stronger families and a stronger Kentucky.”
Easter Celebration and Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-Off
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentucky families about two upcoming events in April. First, an Easter celebration will take place Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. on the South Lawn of the Capitol – the outdoor space between the Capitol and the Capitol Annex. The event will include family activities such as an Easter egg hunt, games, crafts, food trucks and a visit with the Easter Bunny.
Second, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that this year’s Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-off will be held Saturday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m. on the South Lawn of the Capitol. The event will have live musical performances, food trucks, games, crafts and Commonfest for the adults, where attendees can purchase beer and spirits from dozens of Kentucky breweries, wineries and craft distillers.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
On Monday, Gov. Beshear joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and the Kentucky Commission on Women to commemorate Women’s History Month. The Governor also helped unveil the portraits of the four newest inductees of the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit. The women who had their portraits unveiled are Alberta O. Jones, Ada Limón, Amanda Matthews and Kim Michele Richardson.
“What we choose to hold in a place of honor in our Capitol demonstrates our shared priorities and our overarching values – and here in Kentucky, we recognize the incredible contributions of women to our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m so proud that each of these women will have their portrait hung in our Capitol, and I’m proud to name them as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Their portraits will be a daily reminder for current and future generations of what it means to be an outstanding Kentucky woman.”