Ohio House of Representatives
08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 11:38
Rep. Skindell Joins Lawmakers Urging Governor DeWine to Declare State of Emergency Following Severe Storms in Northeast Ohio
COLUMBUS - State Rep. Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) today joined the Cuyahoga County House and Senate Delegation, as well as Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) in Lake County and Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) in Lorain County to urgently request Governor DeWine to issue a proclamation declaring a state of emergency across Cuyahoga, Lake, and Lorain Counties which were impacted by a severe weather system on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. In addition, they are requesting FEMA Damage Assessment Teams to survey the impacted areas.
"The extensive damage caused by this storm has impacted multiple counties and nearly 500,000 Ohioans, including many elderly and disabled populations," said Rep. Skindell. "Without immediate assistance from the governor's office and state agencies, countless residents will continue to be without power or have access to essential services and resources for days to come."
On Tuesday afternoon, a severe weather system swept through Northeast Ohio including instances of tornadic activity, high gusts of winds and severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes had touched down in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties, leaving behind significant damage impacting local communities. This damage affected trees, homes, businesses, motor vehicles, and utility infrastructure.
In addition, the electric utility company FirstEnergy reported nearly 470K customers in northeast Ohio lost power. Additionally, it has been reported that as of the afternoon of Wednesday, August 8th, more than 300K customers will remain without power and the utility companies do not anticipate power restoration to many until August 14th. Power remains out for residential customers in Cuyahoga County, many of which include elderly and disabled residents. Businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants, anticipate significant losses due to Tuesday's severe storm.
Accordingly, the letter signatories are requesting Governor DeWine to exercise his constitutional and statutory powers to provide all available resources to respond to the damages caused by Tuesday's severe storm and provide assistance to local communities.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the letter to Governor DeWine is attached here, as well as photos following the severe weather system on Tuesday. Photos courtesy of: The Lakewood Observer.