July 25, 2023 – Gov. JP Pritzker announced today the disaster proclamation related to the severe weather that tore through the state June 29 through July 4 will be expanded to include 13 additional counties, including Macon County.
As the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security has worked with local governments to assess the derecho’s impacts on communities across the state, state officials recognized the resources given to affected areas reflect the damage’s true extent. The expansion allows additional local leaders to have increased access to state resources and emergency personnel who can assist in response and recovery efforts.
“My administration stands with communities across the state in the work to recover from recent severe weather,” Gov. Pritzker said in a press release. “To continue to support those impacted, I have signed a broader disaster proclamation to mobilize every available resource, accelerating the recovery process and providing relief for our residents.”
Five confirmed tornadoes and straight-line, 100 mph winds resulted in large field debris, disruptions to transportation and power as well as record-breaking flash flooding. Reports show most local resources to manage existing damage have been exhausted, prompting the need for additional state aid.
The proclamation and its expansion go into effect immediately and impact the following counties for damage incurred from June 29 through July 4: Coles, Cook, Edgar, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Sangamon, Washington, Calhoun, Christian, Clark, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Logan, Macon, Monroe, Moultrie, Pike, Scott and Vermillion.
To read the proclamation, click HERE.
