Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking Washington for help after a brutal April of heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes left communities across Michigan soaked, battered, and in some spots barely passable.
Last Friday, Whitmer formally asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster, a move aimed at unlocking federal aid for families, businesses, and local governments still dealing with flooded homes and washed-out roads. State officials say the damage stretches across both peninsulas and that recovery work is still underway in dozens of counties.
According to a press release from Michigan.gov, Whitmer asked the president to activate all FEMA Individual Assistance programs for 37 counties and all categories of FEMA Public Assistance for 26 counties. State officials called it the largest joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, or PDA, effort they have ever run with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. During April, the National Weather Service issued a record 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings, and 25 flood advisories across Michigan, highlighting just how relentless the weather was.
Large damage assessment effort under way
On the ground, officials and reporters described an unusually large PDA push, with teams fanning out to document flooded basements, washed-out roads, and temporary dam concerns across the state. The Alpena News reported that the joint assessments began in May, as local, state, and federal crews tallied damage and verified which communities might qualify for federal help.
What the aid would cover
If the request is approved, FEMA Individual Assistance would offer direct support to homeowners and renters, while Public Assistance would reimburse local and tribal governments and eligible nonprofits for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and infrastructure repairs. Whitmer’s filing lists specific counties for each program, including three Upper Peninsula counties for Public Assistance, and notes that the declaration would also make SBA loans and hazard mitigation grants available. Michigan.gov
How the federal review works
FEMA now reviews the state’s damage data and makes a recommendation to the president, who has the final say on whether to declare a major disaster. That process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how extensive the storm impacts were and how much assessment work is still coming in. FEMA guidance notes that joint PDAs are the standard tool used to decide whether an event meets Stafford Act thresholds and that federal disaster designations are ultimately discretionary. FEMA
Where survivors can look for help
If the president signs off on a declaration for designated counties, residents will be able to apply for help at DisasterAssistance.gov and may be directed to local disaster recovery centers for in-person support.
Until then, state officials are practically begging people to document everything. Survivors are urged to take photos of damage, save receipts and repair estimates, and report their losses to state emergency managers so those numbers show up in ongoing assessments.
Lawmakers across Michigan have lined up behind Whitmer’s request, arguing that federal aid will be crucial to rebuilding washed-out infrastructure and helping families get back on their feet. Local outlets, including MyUpNow and regional newspapers, have been tracking the state’s submission as FEMA weighs its recommendation.
Officials say they will announce the next steps after FEMA completes its review, including which counties, if any, get the green light and how residents in those areas can apply for help.
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