Executive Order 2021-9: Declaration of State of Emergency

On July 7, 2021, an intense line of thunderstorms with high winds struck the southwest area of Oakland County and traveled through southern Macomb County. The cities of Farmington, Farmington Hills, and Southfield sustained flooding and a large number of 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.

In response, on July 8 and 9, 2021, the cities of Farmington, Farmington Hills, and Southfield each declared local states of emergency, and local disaster response and recovery operations were activated. Despite these efforts, local resources have proven insufficient to cope with the situation. State assistance and other outside resources are necessary to effectively respond to and recover from the impacts of this emergency, protect public health, safety, and property, and lessen or avert the threat of more severe and lasting harm.

Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. Under the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.403(4), "[t]he governor shall, by executive order or proclamation, declare a state of emergency if he or she finds that an emergency has occurred or that the threat of an emergency exists."