LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After severe storms pummeled the state on Thursday night, causing power outages and killing five people, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Wayne and Monroe counties.

The declaration will help those areas with response and recovery efforts to flooding and damage caused by those severe storms and heavy rain.

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In addition, more counties may be added to the emergency declaration as damage is assessed.

“Communities across Michigan were hit hard by torrential downpours and damaging winds,” said Governor Whitmer. “This emergency declaration will ensure state resources are available as quickly as possible to help Michiganders in need. I want to thank all the first responders and emergency crews who hard through the night to save lives. We will recover and rebuild together.”

The declaration of a local state of emergency activates local emergency response and recovery plans. By requesting a governor’s declaration, these counties have determined local resources are insufficient to address the situation, and state assistance is required to protect the health, safety, and property to lessen or avert the threat of a crisis.

Thursday’s storms left more than 374,000 people without power, which DTE and Consumers Energy estimated would take several days to fully restore.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit here or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.