LANSING, Mich. – Friday, Governor Whitmer announced that she is requesting a Presidential disaster declaration for the state of Michigan. This request is being made in response to the severe weather and flooding experienced in late April.

43 counties across Michigan experienced extreme weather — including severe storms, heavy rain and nine confirmed tornadoes — between April 10 and 21. If the governor’s request is approved, it would allow federal aid to flow directly to families, businesses and communities in the affected counties.

The governor has requested the activation of all the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) programs for 37 counties including: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Washtenaw, and Wexford.

All categories of the Public Assistance (PA) program have been requested for 26 counties including: Alcona, Alpena, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iron, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Tuscola, and Wexford.

Governor 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.

“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 in a release sent to the press. “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.”

This latest request follows earlier emergency declarations and operations regarding April’s extreme weather:

On Friday, April 10, the governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to the threat of overtopping at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, which remains in effect.  

On Tuesday, April 14, Governor Whitmer elevated the SEOC activation to monitor weather-related events statewide. On Wednesday, April 15, the governor expanded the state of emergency declaration to Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Wexford counties.  

On Friday, April 18, the state of emergency was expanded to include the counties of Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mecosta, and Muskegon, and the cities of Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. On Monday, April 20, the state of emergency was again expanded to include the counties of Iron and Marquette.   

On Tuesday April 28, the state of emergency was extended a final time to include Tuscola County and the Village of Holly. 

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready