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Wayne County declares state of emergency following week of strong storms

Hundreds remain without power after wind and rain caused significant damage in the area over a period of multiple days.

WOOSTER, Ohio — The Wayne County Commissioners have declared a state of emergency for the area after a series of severe storms battered residents this past week.

Heavy wind and rain on both Tuesday and Thursday caused significant damage and knocked out power for thousands of customers. As of Friday evening, roughly 1,700 people are still in the dark.

"Commissioners express appreciation toward those people and organizations that are stepping forward to help with the clean-up effort, but most importantly, ensuring the safety of their fellow citizens," the three-member commission wrote in a joint statement.

The declaration opens up a number of resources citizens and officials can now utilize to help with recovery. Gov. Mike DeWine has not issued a state of emergency from the state level, but the commission says it is "fully engaged with the State of Ohio to ensure all available resources are obtained and distributed in a timely manner."

The United Way's Wayne Holmes Information Referral Exchange is currently available to take questions about where residents can receive necessary aid, with those affected asked to call (330) 263-6363. The United Way has also set up a local relief fund, and people can donate here.

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