DES MOINES, Iowa – On Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued disaster proclamations following the derecho that raged across Iowa on Monday. The storm system packing straight-line winds of 70 mph to 100 mph left widespread crop and structural damage.
The proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clarke, Clinton, Dallas, Greene, Hardin, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story, Tama, and Washington counties. The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents and the Disaster Case Management Program. Proclamations may be issued for additional counties.
Reynolds said that a derecho often leaves more widespread damage than tornados.
“Rain, hail and high winds caused significant damage to trees, crops, drought downed power lines and caused structural damage to homes, farm buildings, and healthcare facilities. Semi-trucks, vehicles, and campers were overturned, and some transportation routes were impassable,” Reynolds said during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
“Early estimates and again, these are early estimates, are that ten million crop acres have been impacted by the storms. Although it will take days or weeks to know the full scope of the damage. Initial reports are significant,” she added.
Joyce Flinn, director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said the state received requests for generators, diesel fuel for generators, debris removal support, and communications assets.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $43,440 for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
Disaster Case Management is a program to address serious needs to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse condition. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the governor’s proclamation date. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org.
The suspension of regulatory provisions pertaining to weight limits and hours of service for disaster repair crews and drivers delivering goods and services and the movement of loads related to responding to the severe storm system throughout the state of Iowa remains in effect.
Iowa residents of counties impacted by the recent severe weather are asked to report the damage to help local and state officials better understand the damage sustained. Damage to property, roads, utilities, and other storm-related information may be reported. This information will be collected by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and shared with local emergency management agencies.
Listen to the full press conference: