Clay County declares emergency following storm damage

CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After severe weather left thousands without power and numerous downed powerlines, utility poles, and trees littered across the Wabash Valley, officials in Clay County have declared a disaster emergency.

According to a release from the Clay County Board of Commissioners, Tuesday’s storm resulted in excessive wind damage, downed power lines and trees which caused public structural damage and safety issues. This announcement comes one day after neighboring Vigo County also declared an emergency due to damage from the storm.

The Commissioners encourage all residents to report damage to the state via the in211.org website or by calling 2-1-1. Additionally folks are asked to thoroughly document any damage to their property by taking plenty of pictures.

“We are still determining if the county will receive financial assistance from the state, but we must document all our damages,” a news release states. “The more thoroughly we document our property damage, the greater the likelihood of receiving financial aid.”

Commissioners said first responders and county employees have been tirelessly working to perform life-saving and cleanup efforts since the storm passed. Some roads reportedly remain impassable, however the commissioners believe that work should be completed by Saturday.

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