WISCONSIN — Gov. Tony Evers has requested a disaster declaration from President Donald Trump for the severe storms and flooding that left a path of destruction across parts of the state in April.
“I’ve visited communities impacted by this spring’s severe weather, and in doing so, I’ve not only seen the devastation and destruction these storms left behind but also the strength and resilience of Wisconsinites across the state,” said Evers in a press release.
Evers’ request for Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance includes 14 counties: Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca and Winnebago counties. Evers also included the Oneida Nation in the request.
FEMA already began to conduct preliminary damage assessments in some communities. FEMA found that total damage estimates were more than $9.8 million after looking at over 1,570 residential properties.
It also found more than $17.6 million in public sector damage.
“Federal support is essential to helping communities rebuild and recover, and I’m urging the president to meet this moment with the urgency it requires and ensure affected individuals, families, and businesses receive this critical assistance as quickly as possible,” Evers continued.
At least 27 tornadoes touched down in severe storms from April 13-17. Many are still picking up the pieces. There was also widespread flooding along the Wolf River, affecting communities like New London, Fremont and Shiocton.
Evers issued a state of emergency on April 15 due to the storms.
“The devastation caused by these severe storms and flooding in April is more than just what is measured in dollars. It destroyed homes, shattered livelihoods, damaged schools and public infrastructure, impacted businesses and regional economies, and families struggling to rebuild their lives on a long road to recovery,” Evers said in the letter requesting the declaration.
This latest request comes in the shadow of assistance that is still pending for the August 2025 flooding that left over $27 million in damage, which Evers has criticized the Trump administration over.
