Wisconsin to request FEMA assistance

Gov. Tony Evers today announced he has directed Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) to submit a request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment, of the damage caused by recent extreme storms and flooding across the state.

This assessment is the next step in the process after an initial local and state damage assessment is conducted. WEM reported to Gov. Evers today that their initial damage assessments conducted in the days since the severe storms indicate that the level of damage caused by the recent severe weather is beyond the state’s ability to recover on its own and is expected to qualify for federal assistance. This marks the second bout of severe storms that has rocked Wisconsin in recent months, with tens of millions of dollars in damages last August due to extreme flooding.

Governor Evers stated:

I have seen firsthand the devastation caused by our April storms and the uncertainty that is impacting families, communities, and local governments across Wisconsin. Wisconsin is still recovering from last year’s historic record-breaking flooding, and while we continue to ensure we are prepared for any future severe weather, we need FEMA’s support in this process to begin and continue to support our communities during the long process of recovery. This is more than just rebuilding structures lost or damaged by tornadoes and flooding, it’s about restoring hope and stability to everyone affected.

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