Pritzker issues disaster proclamation for Cook, other counties hit hard by severe storms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WGN) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday issued a disaster proclamation for various counties throughout the state in response to recent storms that caused flooding and extensive damage across parts of Chicagoland.

Declared for Cook, Jersey, and Calhoun counties, the proclamation ensures that state resources can be directed to support local response and long-term recovery efforts.

“Illinois families and communities are still facing the impacts of these devastating storms,” Pritzker said in a written statement. “With this proclamation, we are making sure every tool at the state’s disposal is available to support recovery. Our administration will continue working alongside local leaders and federal partners to ensure impacted residents and businesses get the resources they need.”

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The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), in tandem with local government agencies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) concluded that severe weather from July 25-28 “caused substantial flooding, resulting in significant property damage, widespread power outages, and blocked roadways that impacted homeowners, businesses, utilities, and local governments.”

The storms also affected transportation efforts across several Illinois counties.

The disaster proclamation opens access to additional state resources and personnel that can be deployed to assist with recovery. The disaster proclamation is effective immediately.