New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has asked President Joe Biden to issue a federal Emergency Declaration after severe weather devastated portions of the state earlier this week.
Hochul’s letter to Biden notes the high winds and heavy rainfall that wrought havoc across 15 counties, including Genesee, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oswego, Oneida, Saratoga, Schuyler on both July 15 and 16.
The governor also references the “unprecedented” 17 tornadoes that’ve already formed in the state this month, marking the largest number of confirmed tornadoes for New York in July since record keeping began in 1950.
The letter was sent to the president on Saturday.
Explaining she’s already declared a statewide emergency, Hochul said federal assistance was needed to help clear debris from roadways and restore battered utilities.
“New York has seen an unprecedented 17 confirmed tornados so far this month — more than Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Iowa combined,” Hochul wrote on X. “As we help communities recover from last week’s severe weather, I’ve requested a federal Emergency Declaration to support our efforts.”
The letter asks that the $5 million limit imposed on federal assistance be waived, anticipating more will be needed.
While Biden’s administration considers the request, the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services continues outreach to the impacted counties.
If granted, the declaration would set aside moneys to address additional damage caused by storms on July 11 and July 12.