Governor JB Pritzker has declared a disaster for seven Illinois counties, including Cook and Winnebago, following severe storms and flooding from July 13 to July 16. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and Office of Homeland Security assessed extensive damage, concluding that local resources were exhausted and state and federal assistance is needed. The storms produced 6.5 inches of rain and caused 41 tornadoes, leading to significant property damage, power outages, and blocked roadways. Pritzker emphasized the need to mobilize resources to support recovery efforts for impacted residents. IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau confirmed ongoing coordination with affected communities to aid in their rebound from the disaster. The declaration aims to accelerate recovery processes and provide necessary relief in the aftermath of the devastating storms.