COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has issued a proclamation to ready state agencies for further assistance following the recent storms and tornadoes in Northeast Ohio.
In the proclamation, DeWine formally directed state agencies to be ready to offer further assistance to Northeast Ohio communities if the need arises.
Additionally, he ordered and authorized "all State departments and agencies to be at the ready and to utilize their personnel and resources as necessary to protect the lives, safety, health, and property of the citizens of Ohio and to assist with recovery efforts in communities impacted by this severe weather event if needed and requested by local authorities."
Tuesday's severe storms left thousands of Northeast Ohioans without power and with damage. The National Weather Service has since confirmed that four EF-1 tornadoes touched down in the following locations:
- Tornado No. 1 - Avon Lake to Rocky River
- Tornado No. 2 - Brook Park to Bedford Heights
- Tornado No. 3 - Brecksville to Peninsula
- Tornado No. 4 - Waite Hill to Chesterland
Prior to DeWine's Friday proclamation, 14 state lawmakers from Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake counties wrote the governor urging him to declare a state of emergency.
Later on Friday, Northeast Ohio's four congressional representatives, Rep. Emilia Sykes, Rep. Shontel Brown, Rep. Dave Joyce, and Rep. Max Miller wrote DeWine also requesting him to declare a state of emergency following the storm.
Officials say that the Ohio EMA has been closely monitoring developments since the damaging storms swept across northeast Ohio on Tuesday.
As of Friday morning, the only request for state assistance has been for the Ohio Department of Health to assist with medical supplies.
Additionally, the Ohio EMA says they will continue to monitor the cleanup progress and provide assistance if needed.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? The latest sports updates? We've got you covered! You can download the free WKYC app and get the latest updates sent to your phone: Android, Apple.
