Federal Government Approves Governor Walz's Request for Tornado Recovery Assistance

Statement

Governor Tim Walz today announced that the President has approved his request for a major disaster declaration for 23 counties impacted by tornadoes, flooding, and storms in early May.

"This spring brought unprecedented storms and historic flooding to our state. But time after time I've seen people put their neighbors' needs ahead of their own while facing devastating consequences to their homes, farms, and businesses," said Governor Walz. "While the state continues to help in every way we can, we need the federal government's help. I'm grateful that more assistance is on its way, and I'm committed to continuing the work to rebuild."

On the morning of Sunday, May 8, thunderstorms generated winds in excess of 60 miles per hour that swept through Stearns and Morrison counties, downing trees and power lines. The following day, May 9, tornados touched down. They ranged from an EF0 twister near Hastings to a cluster of five tornados -- one with winds exceeding 110 miles per hour -- in central Minnesota, causing extensive damage. The evening of May 11, five tornadoes touched down in southwestern Minnesota to the northeast through the Twin Cities. On May 12 and 13, the southern two-thirds of the state experienced violent and dangerous storms and at least six tornadoes were confirmed in west central Minnesota. The damage is estimated to be nearly $11 million.

Governor Walz wrote to the President requesting this declaration on June 22. It has been approved for Aitkin, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Morrison, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine Counties.

This federal disaster declaration unlocks public assistance for 23 counties to assist with emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

The Governor has also requested assistance for two other weather-related events in recent weeks, including a disaster declaration request for federal assistance for ongoing flooding in Northwestern Minnesota, and an extension for the timeline to request support for a Memorial Day tornado outbreak that caused significant damage in more than 20 counties in order to complete damage assessments.

Source