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LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are reminding survivors of April’s severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that one week remains to apply for federal financial assistance.
“Nearly every part of our state felt the impact of April’s severe weather, from widespread flooding and damaging winds to devastating tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer in a press release. “We know these storms left families and communities facing unexpected damage and costs. With the Aug. 31 deadline to apply for federal assistance just one week away, I encourage every Michigander who was impacted to take advantage. If your home or property was damaged, this application can help you access the needed resources to help you recover and rebuild.”
The deadline for survivors to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. The deadline to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan for physical damage is also Aug. 31.
OCP file photo of the Hesperia Dam April 16, 2026 by Rob Alway
As of Aug. 23, there have been over 5,000 approved applicants for aid. A total of $28,091,691.70 in IA funds has been approved to support recovery efforts for Michigan’s April storms.
“With the Aug. 31 deadline for federal assistance approaching, we want to make sure everyone impacted by April’s severe weather knows help is available,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If your home or property was damaged, or you experienced other losses from these storms, tornadoes, or flooding, we encourage you to apply. Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth taking the time to see what resources may be available to help with your recovery.”
“The application deadline is approaching for Michigan survivors impacted by April’s severe weather to apply for federal assistance,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. (MSP/EMHSD.) “If your home or property was damaged, or you experienced other losses as a result of these storms and flooding, we encourage you to apply before the Aug. 31 deadline. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, taking the time to apply could help you access resources to support your recovery.”
OCP file photo by Rob Alway taken April 16, 2026 in Hesperia.
Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online or by using the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. Assistance is also available in person by visiting any Michigan Disaster Recovery Center. Find a nearby center by using the interactive dashboard found on the April 2026 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding disaster website.
Applying for a SBA low-interest disaster loan can be done online or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center. For more information or to check an application status, call SBAs Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.
Between April 10 and April 21, severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes caused widespread damage and flooding in 43 counties across the state. Throughout the entire month, the National Weather Service issued 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings, and 25 flood advisories. Oceana County was impacted by historic flooding that threatened the Hesperia Dam on the White River.
.OCP file photo by Rob Alway taken April 16, 2026 in Hesperia.
A major disaster declaration, approved by President Donald Trump June 30 opened the path for FEMA’s IA program and SBA low-interest disaster loans for 27 counties, including: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wexford counties. The program provides financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to damage caused by severe weather.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on X at @MichEMHS.
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