Governor JB Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation for Coles, Cook, Edgar, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Sangamon, and Washington counties due to severe weather, flooding, tornadoes, and derecho to allow for the opportunity for federal disaster assistance.

Beginning June 29, several rounds of severe storms passed through Illinois producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. Central Illinois experienced a derecho that brought damaging straight-line winds resulting in five confirmed tornadoes, along with wind gusts in excess of 100 miles per hour across multiple counties. The tornados and straight-line winds resulted in large debris fields, affecting homeowners, businesses, utilities, and local governments. The storms also caused disruptions to transportation due to flash flooding and debris on the roadways.

On July 2nd, additional severe storms dropped significant rainfall, including localized totals of upwards of eight inches of water in a short period of time, causing flash flooding in and around the Chicago area. The storms also downed numerous trees and caused widespread power outages in northern Illinois.

Our union is here to help connect you with resources available if you were impacted by recent storms.

Here’s how to get started if you need help:

• Call the special toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585,
• Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov
• Start your flood claim with FEMA at www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/resources-practitioners/file-your-claim