Evers Asks Trump For Disaster Declaration After April Storms Batter Wisconsin
Governor cites more than $27 million in storm and flood damage across 19 counties and Oneida Nation.
The remains of a barn damaged by a severe storm remains Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Emerald Grove, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
Gov. Tony Evers is asking President Donald Trump to give Wisconsin a disaster declaration related to severe storms and flooding that ripped through the state in April, causing more than $27 million in damages.
In a letter to the president Friday, Evers said the storms caused “widespread destruction” from hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in communities across Wisconsin and the Oneida Nation. He said that left losses “beyond the capacity” of local communities to manage.
“Families have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods, and far too many people are facing uncertainty, loss, and grief,” Evers wrote.
Total damage estimates for more than 1,570 residential properties in 19 counties and one tribal nation came in at $9.8 million, while public sector damages in 14 counties and one tribal nation came in at nearly $17.7 million, according to the letter.
Those figures came from joint assessments completed by Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency that are meant to provide a snapshot of the damage caused by the storms.
In a statement, Evers said he visited communities affected by severe weather this spring and saw “the devastation and destruction these storms left behind” as well as “the strength and resilience of Wisconsinites across the state.”
“I’m grateful Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA’s work identified and confirmed our need for federal assistance so that we can continue to rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, and aid recovery efforts,” Evers stated. “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.”
According to the governor’s office, it is the president’s decision to approve or deny a disaster declaration and there’s not a strict legal timeline for a response to a state’s request.
A flooded residential street is seen with water covering the road and lawns, traffic cones blocking access, and overcast sky in Shiocton, Wis., on April 15, 2026. Joe Schulz/WPR
The governor’s office says the new request for federal support comes after the Trump administration denied a request for federal recovery support for more than $27 million in damages related to severe weather last summer.
According to reporting by Politico, it has been three-times harder for Democrat-led states than Republican-led states to receive disaster funding under the Trump administration.
The governor sent a letter to Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation on April 17, urging them to help ensure the state secures disaster relief following severe weather that month.
“Letters of support from members of Wisconsin’s delegation, direct conversations with Trump Administration officials, and bipartisan public engagement on behalf of our state all matter, and your public and persistent efforts to help advocate for Wisconsin to receive the assistance we need from federal partners, including President Donald J. Trump, will be key to ensuring our state’s request is approved,” Evers wrote. “It would be unfortunate if Wisconsin’s anticipated requests for emergency assistance are once again declined.”
Gov. Evers asks Trump for disaster declaration after spring storms cause $27M in damage was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.
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