FRANKFORT - State Senator Michael E. Hastings today thanked Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for issuing disaster proclamations covering areas impacted by the severe storms that struck the south suburbs and eastern Will County on Monday, July 27.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to President Preckwinkle and County Executive Bertino-Tarrant for their decisive leadership in declaring disaster areas,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These local proclamations are critical first steps that position our communities to access the resources needed for recovery after the devastating high winds, tornadoes, fallen trees, structural damage and prolonged power outages that hit our region so hard.”
The storms produced extreme straight-line winds of 80 to 100 mph, confirmed tornadoes, heavy rain and hail. Hardest-hit communities included Crete, University Park, Steger, Monee, Beecher, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Matteson, Richton Park and other parts of eastern Will County and southern Cook County. Thousands of residents and businesses experienced significant property damage and extended power outages, with cleanup and restoration efforts continuing.
Hastings noted that local governments, first responders, public works crews, ComEd lineworkers, tree-removal teams and volunteers have worked around the clock to assist those affected by the storm.
“I will continue working closely with President Preckwinkle, County Executive Bertino-Tarrant, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, municipal leaders and the governor’s office to ensure the hardest-hit areas receive the assistance they need and deserve,” said Hastings. “Our communities have shown remarkable resilience. Now it is time for the state to stand with them.”
The next step in the process is for IEMA to review local damage assessments and present recommendations to Governor JB Pritzker for a potential state disaster proclamation. A state declaration would unlock additional state resources and support further recovery efforts for residents, businesses and local governments.
