Gov. Pritzker Issues Disaster Proclamation Following Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding in Multiple Illinois Counties

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker today issued a state disaster proclamation following months of severe weather and flooding that caused widespread damage across Illinois. Beginning in March and continuing through June, Illinois experienced record-breaking severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, and straight-line winds. Illinois has led the nation in tornadoes this year, with approximately 173 tornadoes verified by the National Weather Service (NWS). This proclamation was issued prior to Governor Pritzker’s planned visits to Effingham and Jefferson Counties on Wednesday, July 1.

The proclamation covers communities impacted by severe weather across the following counties:

These storms claimed lives and disrupted communities across Illinois. The proclamation ensures state resources can be directed to support local response efforts and assist communities with long-term recovery.

“I have signed a disaster proclamation to provide state relief to support those impacted by severe weather and storms in order to accelerate the recovery process,” said Governor Pritzker. “Illinois has faced unprecedented severe weather this year, and I remain committed to supporting every community, business, and family as they rebuild. As communities recover, we remember the lives that were lost and hold their families and loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time. I want to thank IEMA-OHS for their ongoing coordination as they work to ensure those that were impacted get the resources they need.”

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), in coordination with state and local partners, is continuing to deploy resources and implement the State Emergency Operations Plan to support response and recovery efforts in the affected counties. The proclamation directs state agencies to assist local governments as communities continue recovering from the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that exhausted local resources and caused widespread damage across Illinois.

“IEMA-OHS has been on the ground supporting communities since the first wave of spring severe weather occurred, working in coordination with our county and local emergency management partners to support local response needs and assess the damage immediately after,” said IEMA-OHS Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “That kind of coordinated response between local and state officials is what Illinoisans deserve. This proclamation ensures we continue to support impacted counties with available resources and that we may pursue available avenues for recovery assistance now and into the future.”

The severe storms and tornadoes damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, caused prolonged power outages, and strained local response capabilities as communities continue to recover and rebuild.

The disaster proclamation makes additional state resources and personnel available to support response and recovery operations and can facilitate requests for state and federal disaster assistance. Governor Pritzker has also directed IEMA-OHS to continue coordinating with federal partners to evaluate available assistance and identify additional resources to help impacted communities recover and rebuild.

The disaster proclamation goes into effect immediately and can be viewed here.

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