August 30, 2023     

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Gov. Whitmer Adds Ionia and Kent Counties to State of Emergency as Recovery Continues from Severe Storms and Tornadoes 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Ionia and Kent counties after severe storms and seven tornadoes touched down across the state last week. This is the second expansion of the state of emergency originally declared by Governor Whitmer for Monroe and Wayne counties on August 25.  Eaton, Ingham, and Livingston counties, and the city of South Lyon in Oakland County were added on August 28. 

“Today, I have expanded the state of emergency further to include two additional counties facing an extended recovery from the impacts of the powerful storms,” said Governor Whitmer. “State resources are available for impacted communities dealing with clean-up efforts as they start to rebuild. This has been an extraordinary weather event, but we will get through it together.”   

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

As clean-up efforts continue, 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 2023-9

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