New Jersey Officials Request Fed Help

State officials asked President Barack Obama to quickly declare New Jersey to be a major disaster area after Hurricane Irene ravaged the state with dangerous winds and torrents of rain this weekend.

The declaration would enable the federal government via FEMA to assist state and local administrations and affected residents.

Gov. Chris Christie, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) are leading the effort, according to press releases from their offices.

"Hurricane Irene was a catastrophe of enormous severity and magnitude and the storm conditions required emergency shelters to be established in 16 counties to house nearly16,000 evacuees, while over 700,000 residences suffered power outages. Torrential rains have caused significant flooding in areas across the state, impacting residences, major and local roads, and necessitating highway closures and a suspension of rail services. Recovery efforts are still ongoing in the aftermath of the disaster," according to Christie's office.

“Given the severe nature of the hurricane and the extent of the damage, we ask that you immediately grant a Major Disaster Declaration for New Jersey and expedite federal recovery and rebuilding aid," according to a press release from both senators.