There is a glimmer of hope for Kewanee officials and residents for storm cleanup following the two tornadoes that hit Kewanee on July 15th. Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for several counties following the severe weather and flooding in July. Governor Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation for Cook County, Henry County, Fulton County, St. Clair County, Washington County, Winnebago County, and Will County for the severe weather from July 13th to 16th. The proclamation comes after the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) conducted extensive fieldwork in collaboration with local governments to assess the damage and destruction caused by the storms in communities across Illinois.
According to IEMA-OHS reports, local resources and capabilities have been exhausted, and state and federal resources are needed to respond to and recover from the effects of these severe storms. The Henry County OEM declared a local state of emergency for Kewanee and Wethersfield Townships on July 16th, after numerous tornadoes caused extensive damage throughout the county. Since that day, the Henry County OEM has been working closely with communities to provide resources and assistance. This proclamation allows the county to access additional state resources and emergency personnel who can assist in our continued response and recovery efforts.
“Many areas across the state suffered extensive damages due to last month’s torrential rain, high winds, and flooding,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation to mobilize every available resource, accelerating the recovery process and providing relief for our residents. I want to thank IEMA-OHS for their ongoing coordination.
Governor Pritzker has requested a federal Major Disaster Declaration from the President of the United States through FEMA. If approved, this declaration would enable impacted communities to access individual assistance from FEMA and disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“After our Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with local, county, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) partners in multiple municipalities across the state, we have found significant damages,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Our Recovery Division continues to work closely with each of the affected communities helping them to recover from this severe weather.”
From July 13 through July 16, severe storms produced heavy rainfall, high winds, flash flooding, tornadoes, and 6.5 inches of precipitation. These storms also caused disruptions to transportation due to flash flooding, widespread debris, limited access to roadways, and power outages that impeded work efforts.
While state officials have been working closely with impacted communities to provide resources, this proclamation allows local entities to access additional state resources and emergency personnel who can assist in their continued response and recovery efforts.