7 storm-hit counties declared disaster areas

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has issued a state disaster declaration for seven southern Illinois counties.

The new governor's declaration Friday aims to help the recovery from a severe winter storm this week that downed trees and electrical lines and cut power to more than 12,000 homes in the region.

Counties included are Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency now can provide those counties with heavy equipment and work crews to speed debris removal, as well as other help.