Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker declared Cook County a state disaster area Tuesday following the June 10 to 11 severe thunderstorms that felled trees, knocked out power and caused localized flooding in the south suburbs and elsewhere.
The declaration opens the door for additional state assistance, and possible federal aid, for residents and businesses in Cook County.
It also directs state agencies to assist local governments as communities continue recovering from the storms.
“Illinois has faced unprecedented severe weather this year, and I remain committed to supporting every community, business and family as they rebuild,” Pritzker said.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun similarly declared five Northwest Indiana counties to be state disaster areas following the June 11 storms that sent five tornadoes tearing through Merrillville, Kouts and other Region communities.