May 28th, 2025 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has formally requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration for the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and six southeast Missouri counties, including Iron County, in response to the deadly and destructive storms that tore through the state on May 16.
The severe weather outbreak, which included tornadoes, straight-line winds, large hail, and flash flooding, claimed seven lives and left widespread damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The areas covered in the request for federal assistance include Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties.
Governor Kehoe emphasized the urgency of the situation in a statement, saying, “It is abundantly clear that Missouri families need rapid federal assistance to rebuild homes and lives, and to continue moving forward.”
Joint federal, state, and local damage assessment teams conducted surveys on May 21 and 22, leading to the official request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance. If approved, FEMA aid would provide eligible residents with help covering temporary housing, home repairs, damaged property, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.
Kehoe also authorized the Missouri National Guard to assist with debris removal in the City of St. Louis, beginning May 28, as part of a continuing recovery effort.
The request is now under review by the federal government. If granted, the declaration would bring much-needed resources to Iron County and other hard-hit areas as communities work to recover and rebuild from the devastating storm.
