Quinn Declares Disaster Areas After Storms
Thousands still without power downstate
Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 | Updated 1:44 PM CST
The Southern
The roof from the Metropolitan apartment complex ripped off and downed these power lines along South Wall Street Friday in Carbondale, Ill.
Gov. Pat Quinn has declared three southern Illinois counties state disaster areas after severe storms swept through the region.
The declaration allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to coordinate state assistance for Franklin, Jackson and Williamson counties. Southern Illinois University in Carbondale had to cancel its weekend graduation ceremonies because of damage and the lack of power.
Friday's storms packed high winds that uprooted trees, toppled hundreds of utility poles, and damaged vehicles and buildings. More than 56,000 people were still without power Saturday night. Ameren hopes to have the lights back on for everyone by Tuesday night.
One person in Carbondale died due to a head injury. Four others died as the storms swept across Kansas, Missouri and Kentucky.
Several state agencies have already sent help to the affected areas.
Illinois State Police have dispatched troopers to help with traffic direction and security.
And the state transportation department has cleared branches and debris from state routes, and has delivered a generator to Carterville's municipal water system.
Copyright Associated Press
Posted Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 - 1:44 PM CST
