Governor Blagojevich activates State Emergency Operations Center to monitor severe storms moving through the state

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich tonight activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield about 7 p.m. this evening to assess damage caused by a long line of severe storms and possible tornadoes that began moving through the state early this evening.  The SEOC has received initial reports of storm damage from several parts of the state and is working closely with local emergency management officials to determine the extent of the damage and if state assistance is needed.  Already, Illinois Department of Transportation trucks are responding to debris on state routes to clear those as quickly as possible.

 

"It's only been three weeks since the last devastating storm swept through Central Illinois leaving behind damage and destruction," said Governor Rod R. Blagojevich.  "Even before tonight's storms had left the state we activated the State Emergency Operations Center and began reaching out to the many counties that may have been affected by this storm.  We stand ready to provide whatever assistance is needed to help these communities respond to this latest round of storms."

 

Representatives from more than a dozen state agencies have assembled in the SEOC to reach out to local emergency officials to determine if they need state assistance.  The SEOC will remain activated as long as necessary.