From Governor JB Pritzker:
Gov. Pritzker Issues Disaster Proclamation Following Severe Storms and Flooding in Multiple Illinois Counties
Proclamation directs state resources to Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties to support recovery efforts following the August storms
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker today issued a state disaster proclamation after severe weather and flooding caused extensive damage across Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties from August 16-19, 2025.
The proclamation ensures that state resources can be directed to support local response and long-term recovery efforts.
“To support those impacted by the devastating August storms, I have signed a disaster proclamation to accelerate the recovery process and provide state relief to our residents,” said Governor Pritzker. “I want to thank IEMA-OHS for their ongoing coordination as they work to ensure impacted residents and businesses get the resources they need.”
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), in partnership with local government entities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), conducted joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) September 3-5, 2025, that confirmed widespread damages to communities.
“Through the preliminary damage assessments, we’ve been able to validate the full scope of the August 16-19 storms’ impact,” said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “The Governor’s proclamation is a critical step to expanding assistance, allowing us to submit this information to FEMA for determination of what federal assistance may be made available to residents and local governments.”
This severe storm system caused substantial flooding, resulting in significant property damage, widespread power outages, and blocked roadways that impacted homeowners, businesses, utilities, and local governments.
The disaster proclamation opens access to additional state resources and personnel that can be deployed to assist with recovery. Governor Pritzker has also directed IEMA-OHS to continue coordinating with federal officials to determine whether Illinois qualifies for federal disaster assistance through FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The disaster proclamation goes into effect immediately and can be viewed here.
