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Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for White Lake, Armada Townships, and the Village of Armada Due to Storm and Tornado Damage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

August 5, 2021  

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

 

Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for White Lake, Armada Townships, and the Village of Armada Due to Storm and Tornado Damage 

  

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer today declared a state of emergency for White Lake, Armada Townships, and the Village of Armada due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that moved through the area on July 24 and 25. 

 

"These communities were hit hard by the late July storms and tornados and our recovery efforts will continue to get people the help they need, where they need it, as soon as possible," said Governor Whitmer. "A state declaration ensures state assistance gets to  areas affected by the severe weather as soon as possible, and we will keep monitoring the situation to help communities recover and rebuild." 

 

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in9 cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has provided in conjunction with local agencies. 

 

On July 24, a tornado touched down in Armada Township, just outside of Armada Village. The storm moved through the village, and significantly impacted properties both in the village and the township.  

 

"The immediate response efforts in Armada were an amazing example of a community coming together during a crisis," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "As we transition to our rebuilding efforts, this designation from the state will provide much needed resources for residents and local businesses. I want to thank the Governor for her declaration and commitment to support this community." 

 

On July 25, in White Lake Township, a severe thunderstorm and a tornado caused widespread or severe damage, or loss of life or property. 

 

"Gov. Whitmer's prompt action to declare a state of emergency in communities impacted by the tornado opens the door to resources our townships need to get their lives and properties back to normal," said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. "I know they are breathing a sigh of relief in White Lake today."   

 

In response, on July 25, 2021, the townships of White Lake and Armada and the Village of Armada each declared local states of emergency, and local disaster response and recovery operations were activated. Armada Township and the Village of Armada formally requested a governor's declaration on July 30. White Lake Township formally requested a governor's declaration on July 29. By requesting a governor's declaration, the cities have determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation. 

 

Governor Whitmer's declaration concludes that state assistance is required to protect health, safety and property and to lessen or avert the threat of more severe and lasting harm. 

 

To view a copy of EO 2021-10, click the link below: 

 

 

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