(CENTREVILLE) – St. Joseph County has declared a state of emergency due to damage done by last week's storms.

St. Joseph County Commission Chairman Dennis Allen says the state of emergency went into effect on Saturday, August 14. Under the declaration, local resources are being utilized to the fullest possible extent. In addition, the response and recovery elements of the County's emergency operations plan have been activated.

Allen says he sent a communication to State officials about the state of emergency. He said that St. Joseph County sustained widespread and severe damage on August 11 and August 12, caused by suspected straight line wind events and severe thunderstorms.

As a result of this situation, the following conditions exist in the county: Substantial damage to critical infrastructure including electric utility systems; Significant damage to homes and public/private property in multiple villages, townships and cities; and Considerable hazardous debris impacting emergency responses on state and local roads.