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Southfield, Farmington, Farmington Hills will get Michigan storm-cleanup help

August 03, 2021, 8:52 AM

Newly declared emergency status for Farmington, Farmington Hills and Southfield lets those Oakland suburbs get state assistance addressing damage from severe thunderstorms and high winds four weeks ago.

The decision Monday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer authorizes the Michigan State Police's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to coordinate state cleanup and repair support.

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Farmington storm damage, photographed early last month by WDIV viewer Christine C. at her parents' home.

"This declaration will ensure needed resources are available to these communities as they continue to recover from the flooding and power outages cause by the July 7 storm," says a statement from the governor. Over 100,000 electric customers lost power after 60 mph wind gusts whipped through Oakland and southern Macomb.

The Detroit News has background:

Farmington, Farmington Hills and Southfield sustained flooding and saw downed trees and electrical lines across homes, businesses, and roadways, "resulting in extensive power outages, blocked roadways and damage to public and private property and infrastructure," Whitmer's office said.

The three cities declared local states of emergency in the following days and requested the governor’s declaration.

Last week, when announcing $10 million in state emergency aid available to Metro Detroit families hit by the June 25-26 rainstorms and flooding, Whitmer said the later severe weather damage in Oakland was among "areas that we are looking to get to some support to."

Meanwhile, the executives for Macomb and Oakland counties also are asking Whitmer to declare a state of emergency in those areas following damaging tornadoes late last month.


Read more:  The Detroit News


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