On Tuesday, Mar. 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the state of emergency to Osceola County to assist with winter storm recovery efforts.

The county requested resources to assist with downed trees, power lines and impassable roadways. Over 40% of businesses and households in the county reportedly lost power in the winter storm on March 15-16.
“Extending the state of emergency to Osceola County frees up additional state resources for the area, especially our crews from the Michigan Department of Transportation to help clear roads, said Gov. Whitmer. “It has been all hands on deck since the storm hit, and we will continue to support northern Michigan as recovery efforts carry on.”

The initial declaration was made on Tuesday, March 17, for Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Wexford counties.

A state of emergency declaration allows counties financial flexibility and personnel assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act.

This is the second weather-related state of emergency issued in Michigan this year, with the other being the recovery effort in southwest Michigan following multiple deadly tornadoes near Union City earlier this month.

_{Image courtesy of MSP Emergency Management & Homeland Security.}