May 28, 2004

Lansing, MI – State officials continue to monitor local efforts and are compiling assessments from affected local jurisdictions from around Michigan, following the severe weather event of May 20-24, 2004. At this time there are no immediate public health or safety needs. "Our local communities have done an outstanding job at coping with this situation", Captain John Ort, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management, said. "This reinforces the need for a solid emergency management structure in Michigan."

Local jurisdictions have sent out teams to assess public health and safety threats, including damage to public buildings, dams, private homes, roads and bridges. It is expected that information will continue to be submitted to the state over the next few days. Based on the data compiled from the assessments, state officials will determine whether to make the recommendation to the Governor to request federal assistance. This decision cannot be made until all the floodwaters have receded and all affected communities have submitted their property damage assessment reports.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division has been in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office in Chicago to advise them of the situation and to discuss state and local actions. Beginning next week, representatives from FEMA, the state and the local jurisdictions, will visit the affected areas to survey the damage. Based on these results, FEMA can conclude whether or not sufficient damage and impact have occurred to support a Federal presidential disaster declaration.

A stationary front that stalled out over Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan last weekend, brought with it severe thunderstorms and heavy rains. The storms caused widespread flooding and wind damage in parts of Lower Michigan. Hardest hit were the counties of Berrien, Macomb and Kent and local jurisdictions including Dearborn Heights, Allen Park, Ionia, Hamburg and Green Oak Townships.

The Emergency Management Division of the Michigan Department of State Police is coordinating the state’s response effort. Status updates at