In times of extraordinary stress and of disaster, resulting from storms and floods, the director may declare the existence of an emergency and designate the location, nature, cause, area, and extent of the emergency if in his opinion:
(a)
The emergency is a matter of general public and State concern; and
(b)
Work and remedial measures are required to immediately avert, alleviate, repair, or restore damage or destruction to property having a general public and State interest and to protect the health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the
general public of the State.