RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Racine County Executive Ralph Malicki declared a state of emergency Tuesday, after severe storms last week caused widespread damage throughout the county. 

"High winds and heavy rain resulted in structural damage and flooding, leading to waterways cresting at moderate or major flood stages," the declaration says, impacting private property and public infrastructure like drainage systems, roadways and utilities. 

The county says staff members and emergency response partners are assessing damage and coordinating response efforts. 

Declaring a state of emergency is intended to help Racine County expedite recovery operations as needed to support those impacted and pursue state and federal assistance if warranted.