Biden Approves Disaster Order For August Tornadoes, Storms In MI

MICHIGAN — President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration Thursday for nine Michigan counties that were hit by tornadoes last August, according to the Michigan Governor's Office.

The order makes funding available to individuals impacted by the severe storms in the counties of Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne, according to the Michigan Governor's Office.

This FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, according to the Michigan Governor's Office.

"Michiganders have been working hard to recover from the tornadoes and storms that caused so much damage across the state this summer," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. "With today’s federal disaster declaration by President Biden, we will get the resources we need to support impacted families, businesses, and communities. Michiganders are tough. We will get through this the way we always have—together."

Severe storms brought heavy rain, strong winds, and seven tornadoes to multiple areas of lower Michigan on Aug. 24 2023. Five people were killed and multiple others were hurt after the storms rolled though parts of western and southeastern Michigan.

Whitmer requested the disaster order as communities in those areas experienced road and bridge closures, downed trees and power lines, building damage, overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems and deposits of silt and debris.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.

Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.