JEFFERSON COUNTY — An escapee in a tutu created a stir in Jefferson County on Friday afternoon. Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office encountered a pink-skirted spider monkey near Highways 21 and M about 4 p.m.

A spider monkey on the loose was safely rescued by officers with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Friday afternoon.

Deputies found the monkey along the highway, eventually getting close enough to go 'hands on' and return the animal to its caretaker without incident.

The declaration was made during a news conference attended by several local officials who told the public the city is prepared for the storm.

The Commonwealth is officially under a state of emergency as a severe winter storm approaches. On Saturday, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency in preparation for snow, freezing rain, ice, and “arctic temperatures” expected to begin on Sunday.

Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm meteorologists predict will deposit heavy snow and ice across Kentucky.