LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Gov. Steve Beshear has declared a statewide emergency as a powerful winter storm barrels through Kentucky.

The storm has produced a thick layer of snow and ice that has closed schools, made travel hazardous and cut power to thousands of people.

The emergency declaration issued Tuesday allows state resources to assist cities and counties in coping with power outages and other damage caused by ice and snow.

The governor's office says some 60,000 Kentuckians are without power, mostly in Western Kentucky.

Road crews are working around the clock trying to keep main highways passable.

Much of Kentucky is bracing for a second wallop of wintry weather later Tuesday.

Forecasters say the Louisville area could get another 2 to 4 inches of snow and more ice overnight.

Forecaster Andrea Lammers says the second round could paralyze the Louisville area.