CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for several Northeast Ohio counties after severe storms and tornadoes caused widespread damage on Tuesday.
The counties included are:
- Ashtabula
- Cuyahoga
- Geauga
- Lake
- Lorain
- Portage
- Summit
- Trumbull
"This declaration of a state of emergency will give the state the ability to give these communities expedited assistance. At the moment, we have no outstanding requests for services the State can provide to our local communities to help in the aftermath of these storms," said Governor DeWine. "However, we are in this for the duration and will continue to help local communities in Northeast Ohio as they recover from the damage left by the storm, should we receive any new request for services the State is able to provide."
Along with the state of emergency, Gov. DeWine announced that he will direct Ohio Emergency Management Director Sima Merick to ask FEMA to come to Northeast Ohio for a damage assessment.
"I encourage local governments who need assistance to contact their County Emergency Management Agency Offices," added Governor DeWine.
The press release from Gov. Mike DeWine's office directs homeowners, businesses, renters, and non-critical private non-profit organizations to contact their County Emergency Management offices with information related to damage assessment efforts.
"Crews from Ohio and beyond are working around the clock to restore power to customers," said Governor DeWine. "For the safety of everyone, please give the crews plenty of space do their work when they are in your neighborhood."