KENTUCKY (WCHS) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Saturday as an approaching winter storm is expected to bring snow, freezing rain, ice and low temperatures.

The storm is also expected to cause widespread power outages and freezing temperatures that will continue throughout the week, making road travel treacherous, according to a news release from Kentucky officials.

“This winter storm is likely to cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roadways and could lead to significant power outages – just 24 hours before it turns dangerously cold,” Gov. Beshear said in a statement. “We care about every Kentucky family and those traveling across our great state, and we want to ensure everyone has the information and resources they need to stay safe.”

The release said the declaration will allow Kentucky National Guard units to prepare for deployment, state transportation employees will also prepare, and emergency management officials will open warming centers.

“The state emergency operations center will be activated at midnight tonight and will remain open for the duration of this event,” Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said in the news release. “During this time, we will have state agencies from across the Commonwealth and representatives there to coordinate their response.”

Transportation officials are urging Kentuckians to avoid unnecessary trips, drive carefully and drive slowly and give other vehicles, especially snow plows, extra space on the road.