MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today formally requested a presidential disaster declaration from President Donald Trump in response to severe storms and flooding, which resulted in families and kids being displaced as well as significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure across six Wisconsin counties. The request includes Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Individual Assistance program. It also includes FEMA’s Public Assistance program for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
The governor’s request comes after he announced that he submitted a request for FEMA to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment after recent extreme storms and flooding across the state. After the joint preliminary damage assessment of individual properties was conducted in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and FEMA determined there were 1,500 residential structures that were destroyed or sustained major damage, with total damage costs estimated at over $33 million.
“Having been on the ground to see firsthand some of the areas that have been hit hardest by the disastrous storms and flash floods that have affected folks across our state, it’s clear it’s going to take a significant amount of time and resources to recover. My administration and I have been working diligently to respond and support clean-up efforts, but it’s clear more help is needed to support the people of Wisconsin and ensure we can rebuild,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m grateful Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA’s work identified and confirmed our need for federal assistance and aid so that we can continue critical recovery efforts. Now, I’m urging President Trump to do the right thing and make the appropriate presidential disaster declaration in coordination with the preliminary damage assessment—and quickly and without delay. The folks and families whose homes, businesses, schools, and community centers were severely damaged by this severe weather event are counting on this relief.”
The preliminary damage assessment began with FEMA reviewing the initial information collected beginning on August 19, and joint federal, state, and local teams conducted field assessments on August 21-22. The joint teams did not need to visit every home in the affected counties. This assessment provided a snapshot of the damage caused by the storm. It is also important to note, that FEMA does not rely on fixed monetary or numerical thresholds as the sole determining factor for recommending a disaster declaration. Instead, the agency evaluates a wide range of factors to assess the severity and magnitude of the event and its impact on the affected communities. The ultimate decision to approve or deny the request will rest with the president.
“The swift and collaborative effort for these assessments isn’t just a procedural step—it’s a powerful demonstration of unity between counties, the state of Wisconsin, and FEMA to get help to those in crisis after this historical flooding event,” said WEM Administrator Greg Engle. “The speed and precision in which this was accomplished speaks volumes. When different agencies come together, the road to recovery reaches the people who need it faster.”
In addition, initial damage reports collected by the state indicate more than $43 million in public sector damage throughout six Wisconsin counties. FEMA, WEM, and local officials will be conducting a joint preliminary damage assessment for public infrastructure in September. The information collected during these assessments will then be provided to FEMA to support today’s request for FEMA’s Public Assistance program.
If homeowners were not present or not visited during field assessments, their potential assistance eligibility is not affected. If they have not done so, residents should contact their insurance agent to learn if their damage is covered, and if so, by how much. If they have not already done so, households should report any damage to their home from the recent floods to 211 Wisconsin. This can be done by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the 211 Wisconsin website here.
Homeowners should also document their damage by taking photos and saving any receipts for related expenses after this disaster. These expenses could include temporary housing, hotel stays, repairs for flood damage to your home, and appliance replacement.
If a potential federal disaster declaration is declared, all updates and information will be communicated promptly through official state and local channels to keep the public and stakeholders informed through the process.
A copy of Gov. Evers' presidential disaster declaration request letter can be found here.
Last Update: Aug 27, 2025 1:14 pm CDT
