Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm projected to arrive by Christmas weekend.

Meteorologists have predicted that temperatures could drop by as much as 40-degrees in only a few hours between Thursday night and Friday morning. Air temperatures are forecasted to stay within the single-digits or teens through Saturday. Temperatures may be returning to the 20-’s by Christmas Day.

Gov. Beshear said his administration has been in contact with county officials to help open warming centers for local residents in need, and Kentucky State Parks will also serve as a backup warming centers.

The governor additionally issued an executive order to prevent businesses from price-gouging during this event.