Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency for St. Lawrence County.
The state of emergency was declared to allow New York State to better coordinate and respond with local governments to the widespread damage caused by severe thunderstorms in the county and surrounding areas earlier this week.
On Tuesday, severe thunderstorms with winds in excess of 60 miles per hour with hail over one inch in diameter, and extremely heavy rainfall hit St. Lawrence County and surrounding areas. The storms caused widespread power outages, damage to homes, apartments, businesses, public and private property, and damaged and downed thousands of trees.
"With the serious damage in St. Lawrence County and the surrounding area as a result of the severe thunderstorms, the state of emergency declaration will help us deploy vital resources to affected areas and get assistance to those in need," Governor Cuomo said. "New York State will continue to deploy whatever resources are necessary and do whatever is needed to protect New Yorkers in the North Country and ensure an effective and timely recovery."
A state of emergency enables New York to mobilize state resources to assist local governments more effectively and quickly, and if necessary gives the Governor the authority to suspend statutes, rules and regulations that would impede response and recovery activities. The declaration further gives the Governor the ability to direct state resources to local governments in need. The declaration applies to St. Lawrence County and contiguous areas.
"I commend St. Lawrence County and New York State emergency management officials for their quick response to Tuesday's devastating storm. I also thank Governor Cuomo for making the emergency declaration which makes available state resources for recovery. It is my hope that residents will be able to repair their homes and businesses quickly through this assistance," said Assemblywoman Addie Russell.
