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.

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

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.

All of the WHAS11 viewing area is under a flood watch starting Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday. Heaviest rainfall totals are expected to be along and south of the Ohio River, with up to 5-inch rainfall totals possible.

“With the previous events we’ve had earlier here in the week with the snow and additional rain, we know there could be some significant issues especially in our areas that have the rivers and other streams,” said Dustin Heiser, assistant director of operations for Kentucky Emergency Management.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of heavy rainfall forecasted for Saturday, Feb. 15.

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."

A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service has been expanded as a system that could bring up to 6 inches of rain in some area moves into the region.

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

Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the flooding set to impact Kentucky over the weekend on Thursday's Team Kentucky update.