After 13 Tornadoes Statewide, One Mid-Michigan County Declares State of Emergency

Over the past month, Mother Nature has been attacking Michigan with heavy rain, hail, snow and 13 tornadoes. Weather damage has been so bad that one Mid-Michigan County has now officially declared a state of emergency.

Why Saginaw County Declared a State of Emergency

Saginaw County Board Chair Jack Tany signed that declaration after two tornadoes and significant flooding hit the area. What this does is activate the county’s emergency operations plan and basically puts the state on notice that help may be needed.

READ MORE: Michigan Already Near Average Annual Tornado Total in Mid-April?

Now, this doesn’t mean people are getting checks right away. There’s no direct funding tied to this. What it does do is allow the county to shift resources and start building a case for possible state assistance.

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Crews have already been out assessing damage in areas like Albee and Bridgeport Township according to WJRT. Tornado damage is easier to spot, but flooding is a different story since a lot of it is happening inside homes.

How Residents Can Report Storm and Flood Damage

If you were affected, the county is asking you to fill out a damage survey and upload photos. That information could be critical if aid becomes available. You can also call 211 if you need help or have unmet needs.

READ MORE: Mid-Michigan Residents Fed Up With Ongoing Flooding Problems

At the same time, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has expanded the state of emergency to include 32 more counties, showing just how widespread this damage really is across Michigan.