Rep. Sweeney Joins Lawmakers Urging Governor DeWine to Declare State of Emergency Following Severe Storms in Northeast Ohio

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) today joined the Cuyahoga County House and Senate Delegation to urgently request Governor DeWine issue a proclamation declaring a state of emergency across Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and Lorain Counties which were impacted by a severe weather system on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. In addition, they are requesting FEMA Damage Assessment Teams to survey the impacted areas.

“Too many Cuyahoga County residents still don’t have power following Tuesday’s storms,” said Rep. Sweeney. “It’s time for Governor DeWine and First Energy to take emergency action to better assist our local communities and get critical public safety infrastructure, local businesses, and our neighborhoods back online.”

On Tuesday afternoon, a severe weather system swept through Northeast Ohio including instances of tornadic activity, high gusts of winds and severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes had touched down in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties, leaving behind significant damage impacting local communities. This damage affected trees, homes, businesses, motor vehicles, and utility infrastructure.

In addition, the electric utility company FirstEnergy reported nearly 470K customers in northeast Ohio lost power. Additionally, it has been reported that as of the afternoon of Wednesday, August 8th, more than 300K customers will remain without power and the utility companies do not anticipate power restoration to many until August 14th. Power remains out for residential customers in Cuyahoga County, many of which include elderly and disabled residents. Businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants, anticipate significant losses due to Tuesday's severe storm.

Accordingly, the letter signatories are requesting Governor DeWine to exercise his constitutional and statutory powers to provide all available resources to respond to the damages caused by Tuesday’s severe storm and provide assistance to local communities.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A copy of the letter to Governor DeWine is attached here.