Following severe weather, Governor Whitmer declared a local state of emergency in three MI counties.

In a swift response to the destructive impact of multiple tornadoes in Southwest Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency across Kalamazoo County, St. Joseph County, Cass County, and Branch County. This decision, which went into effect on May 8, was prompted by the extensive damage caused by the storms, which included severe flooding and widespread power outages.

The declaration enables local governments to access state resources and assistance for recovery efforts. It facilitates the rapid deployment of emergency services and funds to address immediate needs such as debris removal and repairs to infrastructure. The state’s intervention is crucial in managing the aftermath and preventing further hazards to public safety.

In her declaration, Governor Whitmer said, “My heart goes out to all those impacted by tonight’s severe weather in southwest Michigan. State and local emergency teams are on the ground and working together to assist Michiganders. I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure resources are expedited to the area and activated our State Emergency Operations Center. We will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts overnight. I want to thank all the first responders working hard to keep Michiganders safe. We’ll get through this together.”

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to adhere to safety guidelines and cooperate with emergency responders. The local government is also working closely with state officials to ensure that recovery operations are coordinated efficiently. This includes assessing the damage, restoring utilities, and providing support to those displaced by the storms.

As clean-up and recovery efforts continue, further updates from local and state authorities are expected, providing guidance and information to help the community navigate the recovery process.

This news highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected events and following the guidance and instructions of local authorities in times of crisis. The local government’s declaration of a state of emergency signifies its commitment to managing the situation and ensuring the safety and well-being of the county’s residents. Governor Whitmer has also been providing updates on her X account.

For now, residents and businesses can self-report damage using this online tool.

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This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The ‘Gander staff.