GOVERNOR PARSON SEEKS JOINT DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS IN ANTICIPATION OF REQUEST FOR FEDERAL MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MISSOURI

Press Release

Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the state has begun the process to obtain federal disaster assistance for Missouri in response to severe storms and deadly tornadoes that swept across the state on December 10 leaving behind a trail of destruction, including extensive damage to electric power systems.

Governor Parson is requesting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work with state and local partners to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) and review documentation from the following Missouri counties: Dunklin, Pemiscot, and Reynolds.

"Last Friday, a series of fast-moving severe storms affected several areas of Missouri, resulting in at least six tornadoes and causing two deaths," Governor Parson said. "SEMA's regional coordinators have helped local emergency managers with documenting extensive damage to public infrastructure, homes, businesses, electric power delivery systems, and emergency response costs in the impacted communities. Initial damage reports show a clear need for a formal review by FEMA as part of the federal disaster declaration process."

The heaviest damage to electric cooperatives infrastructure occurred in Dunklin and Pemiscot counties, where over 20 large transmission towers and lines that transport power between New Madrid, Missouri and Dell, Arkansas, were destroyed or heavily damaged. Utility crews have rerouted power from other sources until more permanent work can take place. Power outages from the storms peaked late December 10 and overnight at more than 30,000 customers without power.

Joint Damage Assessment Teams are made up of local emergency managers and representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and FEMA. Working together, the teams assess and document storm damage. Requesting joint PDAs is one of the first steps the state must take in order to request the President declare a federal Major Disaster. Additional assessments may be requested as damage information is received from more counties.

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