Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Livingston County, the city of South Lyon in Oakland County, as well as Eaton and Ingham counties, after severe storms and seven tornadoes touched down across the state last week.
This is an expansion of the state of emergency declared by Gov. Whitmer for Monroe and Wayne counties on Aug. 25.
“Today, I am expanding the state of emergency I declared a few days ago to three more counties and the city of South Lyon so we can continue recovering from the impacts of the powerful storms we faced,” Whitmer said in a release. “This action will ensure we efficiently and effectively distribute state resources to communities in need. We have been through a lot over the last week, but I know we will get through it together. Michiganders are tough and we have each other’s backs.”
On Aug. 24, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes. As a result, communities across the state have experienced road and bridge closures; downed trees and power lines; damage to building structures, embankments, and road surfaces; overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems; and deposits of silt and debris. Hundreds of homeowners have also reported residential flooding.
As clean-up efforts continue, the declaration of a local state of emergency activates local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these counties have determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation, and state assistance is required to protect the health, safety, and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis. By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas. The declaration provides that the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will coordinate state efforts.
For more information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.
To view Gov. Whitmer’s full executive order, click here: EO 2023-8
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin reminds Livingston, Oakland and Ingham county residents to report storm damage by clicking here.
PHOTO: A tree in Howell was downed during the Thursday, Aug. 24, storm.
