Governor JB Pritzker has included Jefferson and Effingham Counties in a State Disaster Proclamation following months of severe weather and flooding that caused widespread damage across Illinois.
Beginning in March and continuing through June, Illinois experienced record-breaking severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, and straight-line winds, and currently leads the state with 173 tornadoes verified by the National Weather Service. In all, 11 counties that have been hit by severe weather are included in the proclamation. Effingham was hit with a tornado on June 17th, and Jefferson County on June 20th.
Governor Pritzker is planning visits to Effingham and Jefferson Counties on Wednesday.
The Governor notes these storms claimed lives and disrupted communities across Illinois. The proclamation ensures state resources can be directed to support local response efforts and assist communities with long-term recovery.
The disaster proclamation goes into effect immediately.
