Elkhart County is extending its storm emergency declaration as officials continue to assess damage from severe weather that damaged homes and knocked out power.

County commissioners met Thursday and voted to keep the local disaster emergency in place for another seven days.

Board President Brad Rogers says the extension gives crews more time to document damage and helps the county remain eligible for state and federal assistance.

The extension comes after severe storms and a confirmed tornado damaged homes across the county, including 17 homes reported destroyed.