McKee declares disaster emergency to support severe storm recovery

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Governor Dan McKee issued a Declaration of Disaster Emergency for Rhode Island due to Monday’s storm.

McKee’s office said that the state of emergency was declared due to high winds and severe rainfall that caused extensive flooding, power outages, and impacts to homes and businesses.

“On the day of the storm, I spoke with local leaders and saw firsthand the significant damage caused to communities, homes and businesses,” McKee said. “Our team is committed to using any available resource to assist Rhode Island’s recovery efforts.”

McKee added that the declaration will support recovery operations and potentially unlock federal relief.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency already began the damage assessment process with municipalities.