Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested that President Donald J. Trump declare a major disaster in response to severe storms, heavy rain, rapid snowmelt and nine confirmed tornadoes that caused widespread damage and severe flooding in 43 counties across Michigan between April 10 and 21.
If approved, the governor’s request would allow federal aid to start flowing directly to families, businesses, and communities.
“The severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that struck Michigan in April left a devastating impact on communities across more than half of the state, destroying and damaging homes, businesses, and roads,” said Governor Whitmer. “While recovery efforts are underway, many residents and local governments face difficult and costly challenges. This request for a major disaster declaration will help ensure affected families and communities have access to the resources they need to recover, rebuild and move forward.”
The governor has requested the activation of all the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance programs for 37 counties. All of those are downstate.
She also asked for help from the FEMA Public Assistance program. Three of them are in the Upper Peninsula: Iron, Menominee, and Marquette. The other 23 counties are below the Mackinac Bridge.
Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall between April 13 and 18 produced tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding and major river flooding across much of Michigan. Hundreds of residents were displaced or stranded by floodwaters, numerous roads were flooded or washed out, and several dams required close monitoring due to overtopping and failure concerns.
During April, the National Weather Service issued a record 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings and 25 flood advisories across Michigan. While floodwaters have largely receded, recovery efforts remain ongoing as some homeowners are still dealing with the lasting effects of floodwaters.
“Communities across the First District and throughout Michigan suffered substantial damage from April’s severe storms and flooding, and local officials have done everything possible to respond and recover,” said northern Michigan Congressman Jack Bergman. “The scale of this disaster warrants federal assistance. I support Governor Whitmer’s request for FEMA assistance and encourage FEMA to approve this declaration so our communities can get the help they need.”
To evaluate eligibility for a major disaster declaration, the State of Michigan conducted its largest Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDAs) to date with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These assessments determined that the extent of damage met federal thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration. Based on the results, the state has requested:
- Individual Assistance (IA) – direct help for homeowners and renters.
- Public Assistance (PA) – reimbursement for local governments, certain non-profit entities, and tribal agencies for response costs, debris removal, and repair of damaged infrastructure.
Whitmer’s request will be reviewed by FEMA which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted. The final decision rests with the president.
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