[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz has authorized emergency assistance for Pope County and two other West Central Minnesota counties due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms and a tornado from July 25-26.

 “Minnesota’s emergency management team is working quickly in partnership with local counties to address damages caused by severe thunderstorms this summer,” said Governor Walz. “The state’s commitment to delivering assistance and helping local communities recover from severe weather events is stronger than ever.”

 From July 25-26, Kandiyohi, Pope, and Stevens counties experienced significant damage caused by severe thunderstorms, high winds and a tornado.

 As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, impacts to outdated infrastructure and roadways have caused millions of dollars in damages statewide. Collaborative emergency planning at all levels of government and investments in infrastructure are critical to safeguarding against future damage.