Democratic state Sen. Michael E. Hastings from Frankfort called on Gov. JB Pritzker and the state of Illinois to declare communities affected by Monday’s storms a disaster area.

The storms hit eastern Will County and other south suburbs on Monday, causing widespread damage, extended power outages, fallen trees and significant cleanup efforts.

“After spending the past two days traveling throughout the south suburbs, one thing is clear: our communities were hit hard by Monday’s storms,” Hastings said in a statement released Wednesday.

The lawmaker said he had spoken with local leaders, emergency managers, first responders and residents still dealing with the aftermath. He said a disaster declaration would help unlock expanded state resources and relief for residents, local governments and businesses.

“Our municipalities have worked tirelessly, but they should not have to shoulder this burden alone,” Hastings said. “The people of the south suburbs deserve every available resource to help them rebuild and recover.”

Hastings thanked public works crews, police officers, firefighters, ComEd lineworkers, tree removal crews and volunteers, saying, “Your dedication has made a tremendous difference during a difficult week.”

He said he would continue working with state and local officials to ensure communities receive assistance.

The villages of Beecher, Crete, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox and University Park continue with storm cleanup.

Village of Beecher said beginning Thursday “recovery efforts will expand as mutual aid partners and additional personnel and equipment arrive to begin large-scale debris removal, including chipping branches, removing logs, and clearing parkways of storm debris.”

Cleanup is expected to take several weeks, “but every neighborhood will be serviced,” the village said.

The village of Crete continues its recovery efforts. The village’s emergency management agency said on Thursday it is working with local police, fire and public works crews “remain throughout our neighborhoods working collectively” to help in cleanup efforts.

Public works crews have completed “about 60% of initial branch and tree debris removal along village roadways,” according to the EMA’s statement.

Mutual Aid resources from Aurora Public Works and Plainfield Township Highway Department continue to work alongside Crete crews.

Christian Aid Ministries Rapid Response Services and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) is assisting residents with cutting and moving debris to the public right-of-way.

On Thursday, ComEd said Monday’s severe storms impacted more than 530,000 customers across northern Illinois.

“Through the efforts of more than 3,400 ComEd personnel working around the clock, power has now been restored to over 493,000 customers, representing nearly 95 percent of those affected,” the utility said on its website.

More than 4,800 Will County customers remained without power as of noon Thursday, according to ComEd.

This article was reformatted from a news release using artificial intelligence. A Shaw Local editor verified the information, edited the article and approved it before publication.