August 25, 2023   

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Gov. Whitmer Declares State Emergency for Wayne and Monroe Counties to Help Recovery Efforts After Severe Storms 

Additional counties may be added to the emergency declaration as damage is assessed.  

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Wayne and Monroe counties to help with response and recovery efforts to flooding and damage caused by severe storms and heavy rain.  

“Communities across Michigan were hit hard by torrential downpours and damaging winds,” said Governor Whitmer. “This emergency declaration will ensure state resources are available as quickly as possible to help Michiganders in need. I want to thank all the first responders and emergency crews who hard through the night to save lives. We will recover and rebuild together.” 

On August 24, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain and high winds. As a result of the flooding, wind, and other storm impacts, the counties of Wayne and Monroe have experienced road and bridge closures; downed trees and power lines; damage to building structures, embankments, and road surfaces; overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems; flooding of residential structures; and deposits of silt and debris. Hundreds of homeowners have also reported residential floods. 

The declaration of a local state of emergency activates local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these counties have determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation, and state assistance is required to protect the health, safety, and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis. By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated areas. The declaration provides that the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) will coordinate state efforts.  

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS. 

To view the full executive order, please click the attachment below: 

EO 2023-7

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