(LANSING) – State Senator Kim LaSata is calling on the Governor to declare a state of emergency in St. Joseph County, following last weeks storms.

On Wednesday, LaSata issued a statement to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, asking her to declare a state of emergency. In the statement, LaSata says the severe storms moved across the state, especially in Southwest Michigan, with significant damage and leaving countless Michigan families without power.

LaSata says some areas of the 21st District saw up to seven inches of rain along with winds between 60 and 70 MPH that toppled countless trees, causing extensive property damage and a number of powerlines and poles to fall.

The statement says St. Joseph County residents and public safety officials have done a tremendous job with the cleanup effort in the aftermath of the devastating storms. Thanks to the around-the-clock efforts of emergency responders and the generous efforts of the community, great progress has been made. However, despite the best efforts, it is clear more help is needed.

LaSata says she has called on Governor Whitmer to send additional resources to the area to assist local officials and families who are still struggling to emerge from the devastation of the storms. She says she hopes Whitmer recognizes the urgent need for relief and quickly acts to lending a helping hand so everyone can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.