Call for more storm response comes from lawmakers

(The Center Square) – While the remnants of Hurricane Debby continue to impact parts of the eastern United States, lawmakers from the Cleveland area want an emergency declaration for northeast Ohio.

High winds and heavy rain from the storm spawned tornadoes and heavy flooding beginning Tuesday and carrying through the early morning hours of Friday. Hundreds of thousands were left without power.

In response, Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation on Friday to ready state agencies to provide additional assistance.

The move puts all agencies on notice to be prepared to help with recovery efforts, including the safety, health, lives and property of local citizens. Currently, according to DeWine, the only request for assistance has come from the Ohio Department of Health, which needed medical supplies.

The move comes after a group of lawmakers urged DeWine for the emergency declaration for Cuyahoga, Lake and Lorain counties earlier this week.

“The extensive damage caused by this storm has impacted multiple counties and nearly 500,000 Ohioans, including many elderly and disabled populations,” said Rep. Michael Skindell, D-Lakewood. “Without immediate assistance from the governor’s office and state agencies, countless residents will continue to be without power or have access to essential services and resources for days to come.”

Also on Friday, Attorney General Dave Yost warned people in the impacted areas to watch for home-repair scammers and fake charities asking for donations from those affected by the severe weather.

“Bad actors thrive on others bad fortune,” Yost said. “Protect yourself from scammers – verify before you trust.”

The first round of storms impacted the area Tuesday with high winds and severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, damaging homes, businesses and public utilities.

FirstEnergy reported nearly 470,000 customers initially without power.

Late Thursday night and into Friday morning, the area received 6-plus inches of rainfall, which led to heavy flooding and road closures.