Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has declared an emergency in Kentucky because of a powerful winter storm. The declaration enables state resources to be mobilized to assist cities and counties in coping with power outages and other damage wrought by ice and snow.

“When winter weather hits, it is crucial that our citizens know that their state government is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being,” the governor said in a news conference. “We are prepared to use every available resource to help Kentuckians make it through these rough conditions, whatever may come.”

According to a release from the governor, some 60,000 Kentuckians are reported without power Tuesday afternoon, mostly in western Kentucky.

Outage reports have come mostly west of Interstate 65 and south of I-64.