Malloy Requests Federal Disaster Declaration For May Storm

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Dannel Malloy is requesting a federal presidential disaster declaration as a result of tornadoes and other severe storms that caused millions of dollars worth of damage May 15.

“As some towns continue with the recovery from the destructive weather, we asking the federal government to provide assistance to those that were devastated by the storms,” Malloy said. “If granted, this declaration would provide much needed help to the communities that were most affected.”

The total amount of damage is around $13.25 million. More than 300 miles of power lines were taken down by the storm and more than 1,800 utility poles were snapped, according to the state's application for assistance.

If the request is approved towns and state agencies can be reimbursed for 75 percent of storm costs. Homeowners may receive up to $34,000 for costs related to eligible uninsured damage to housing.

Related: Photos: Connecticut Storm Aftermath

Malloy noted that 25 homes were destroyed by the storm, which is more than the 15 homes destroyed in Superstorm Sandy or the 12 from Tropical Storm Irene. 171 homes were destroyed or sustained major damage and a total of 269 sustained at least minor damage in the May storm.

There were two confirmed deaths related to the storm and 83 visits to emergency rooms. At the peak of the storm there were more than 182,000 customers without power.

Sleeping Giant State Park will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.

Photo by Adam Bankowski in Wallingford