STATE OF ILLINOIS

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

FILED
INDEX DEPARTMENT
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
SEP 1 5 2025

IN THE OFFICE OF
SECRETARY OF STATE

GUBERNATORIAL DISASTER PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, commencing August 16, 2025, and continuing through August 19, 2025, severe storms and flash flooding caused significant damage across northeastern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, on August 16, 2025, hot and humid conditions, with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees, brought a prolonged 17-hour rainstorm that caused severe flooding, hail, and damaging winds of up to 70 miles per hour in northern Illinois resulting in property damage in numerous communities in Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties, and including the City of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, on August 17, 2025, additional rounds of repeated thunderstorms caused torrential rain, totaling upwards of six inches in some areas, to fall across the northern and southwestern portions of the Chicago metro area, flooding streets and property, causing downed powerlines and fallen trees, destroying streets, crops, and fields in these areas submerged and thousands without power; and

WHEREAS, on August 18, 2025, multiple storms beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing through the night brought heavy rain and cloud-to-ground lightning, resulting in flash flooding and additional power outages in Cook County; and

WHEREAS, as late as August 19, 2025, portions of Interstate 55, Interstate 290, and many streets were still flooded as a result of the deluge; and

WHEREAS, the flooding from this storm system caused moderate to extensive damage to over 5,500 homes within the impacted counties; and

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago issued a Proclamation of Disaster on August 26, 2025; Cook County issued a Proclamation of Disaster on August 27, 2025; Boone County issued a Proclamation of Disaster on September 9, 2025; and the City of Belvidere issued a Proclamation of Disaster on September 9, 2025; and

WHEREAS, extraordinary emergency measures and resources were required in Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens in the impacted communities.

WHEREAS, local resources and capabilities in the affected counties and communities have been exhausted, and State resources are needed to assist in responding to and recovering from the effects of this disaster, including protecting public health and safety and lessening or averting the threats of more severe and lasting harm; and

WHEREAS, these conditions provide legal justification under Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305/7, for the issuance of a proclamation of disaster.

NOW, THEREFORE, in the interest of aiding the people of Illinois and the local governments responsible for ensuring public health and safety, I, J.B. Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, hereby proclaim as follows:

Section 1. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, 20 ILCS 3305/7, I find that a disaster exists within the State of Illinois and specifically declare Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties as disaster areas.

Section 2. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is directed to continue implementation of the State Emergency Operations Plan to coordinate State and Federal resources to support local governments in disaster response and recovery operations.

Section 3. To aid with emergency purchases necessary for response and other emergency powers as authorized by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, the provisions of the Illinois Procurement Code that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the disaster are suspended to the extent they are not required by federal law.

Section 4. This proclamation can facilitate a request for Federal disaster assistance if a complete and comprehensive assessment of damage indicates that effective recovery is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments.

Section 5. This proclamation shall be effective immediately and remain in effect for 30 days.

J.B. Pritzker
Governor

Date: September 15, 2025

FILED
INDEX DEPARTMENT
SEP 1 5 2025

IN THE OFFICE OF
SECRETARY OF STATE

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