News

Governor Pritzker declares 11 Illinois counties disaster areas

Governor Pritzker declares 11 Illinois counties disaster areas

Sangamon County was not included in the state disaster declaration. Photo: Saga Communications/Will Stevenson (File)


Springfield, Illinois (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A proclamation was issued Tuesday by the Governor’s Office for several counties statewide, following months of severe weather and flooding that caused widespread damage across the state.

Illinois experienced record-breaking severe weather beginning in March and continuing through June, including severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, flash floods, hail, and straight-line winds.

The Proclamation covers the following counties:

Governor Pritzker said in a news release, “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. Illinois has faced unprecedented severe weather this year, and I remain committed to supporting every community, business, and family as they rebuild”.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security continue to coordinate with state and local partners to support response and recovery efforts in the affected counties.

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.

Despite two EF-1 tornadoes making their way through parts of Sangamon County in June, one of which caused damage at the Animal Protective League and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, the county was not included in the declaration.

Recent Headlines

4 days ago in Trending, World

Charles hosted Prince Harry and family for first time in years as they try to repair a family rift

King Charles III hosted Prince Harry and met with his family for the first time in years Friday as they try to repair a rift that has persisted since his youngest son and wife quit royal life and moved to America six years ago.

4 days ago in Entertainment

New ‘Little House’ series explores complicated history but keeps heart, community at the center

It's a story with covered wagons and one room schoolhouses, but showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine says the "Little House on the Prairie" remake for Netflix still speaks to today's American dream.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen

Christopher Nolan has never been afraid to dream a little bigger. It's almost a calling. With every film, he's pushed himself and the medium further — playing with form, storytelling, visuals and audience expectations to create lasting cinematic spectacles.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Music

Muni stages regional premiere of ‘The Prince of Egypt’

Assistant director Elijah Sadler said audiences familiar with the movie will recognize many of its iconic songs and moments, while newcomers can expect a powerful theatrical experience.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ has died at 75

Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced, Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star whose 1983 chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" enchanted succeeding generations with its bombastic charms during solar and lunar eclipses, has died. She was 75.