SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn has declared three southern Illinois counties state disaster areas after severe storms swept through the region.

The declaration allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to coordinate state assistance for Franklin, Jackson and Williamson counties.

Friday's storms packed high winds that uprooted trees and damaged vehicles and buildings. Tens of thousands were still without power Saturday.

Several state agencies have already sent help to the affected areas.

Illinois State Police have dispatched troopers to help with traffic direction and security.

And the state transportation department has cleared branches and debris from state routes, and has delivered a generator to Carterville's municipal water system.