MOUNTAIN IRON — A local state of emergency has been declared in St. Louis County after last week’s storms downed trees and cut power to tens of thousands.

The Tuesday decision by county commissioners means the county could now receive state disaster relief funding if damages exceed a certain amount, which they are expected to do.

The Mesabi Daily News reports that cleanup continues in areas hit hardest by last Thursday’s severe weather. Areas near Duluth and Ely are among the hardest hit.

The County Assessor’s Office is will begin sending people into the field next week to assess damage on private property.