Storms prompt disaster declaration for three counties

The severe storms that rumbled across Iowa Thursday caused enough damage to prompt a disaster declaration from Iowa’s Governor. Lucinda Parker is a spokesperson for the Iowa Emergency Management Division. She says Governor Vilsack has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Boone, Decatur, and Marshall Counties. Parker says the declaration gives the counties a hand in getting rid of downed trees and other stuff. She says the disaster declaration frees up state resources for the counties to assist them in debris clean up. Parker says despite all the storms, there few injuries reported. She says it looks like people were doing what they’re told to do by paying attention to warnings so they knew when to take shelter. At least six counties had tornado warnings issued Thursday by the National Weather Service.