LANSING — On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit a request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, heavy rain, rapid snowmelt and nine tornadoes caused widespread damage and severe flooding in 41 counties and three municipalities across Michigan. Governor Whitmer requested this extension to ensure local, state and federal officials have adequate time to complete response activities and assess the impacts and damages.

“Nearly every area of the state was impacted from April’s severe weather, including widespread flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer. “The initial emergency response efforts continued for many weeks, but now teams from the state along with our federal and local partners are out assessing the damage. Given the sheer size and scope of this disaster, additional time is needed to determine the resources necessary to support long-term recovery efforts. This is a historic event, but we will recover together.”

Prolonged rainfall, rapid snowmelt, straight-line winds and tornadoes caused widespread flooding, elevated river levels and damaged roads, homes and property across the state in April. As many communities immediately began identifying impacted areas, assessing damages and submitting estimates to the state, others experienced delays due to prolonged and repeated flooding events. In some areas, floodwaters have been slow to recede and gaining access to affected locations has been difficult.

“Communities across our great state continue to need additional resources to help recover from the devastating storms we’ve faced this season,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “Local jurisdictions need more time to fully assess damages, so this extension is critical as Governor Whitmer and I work to secure the federal resources necessary to rebuild.”

“Michigan families are still reeling from the impacts of extreme weather across our state last month. Communities need more time to assess the damage before we start to rebuild, and I urge the federal government to approve Michigan’s request for an extension,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “I’d like to thank Governor Whitmer for her leadership and for always going the extra mile to fight for Michigan to get our fair share of federal emergency resources.”

To evaluate eligibility for broader assistance, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is conducting Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The PDAs began this week and will determine whether the extent of damage meets federal thresholds for a request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the president. Based on the results, the state may request:

– 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

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, 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  MIREADY and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.