U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has initiated a request to President Donald Trump urging the rapid approval of a major disaster declaration in response to severe weather conditions affecting Tennessee. Blackburn, joined by Tennessee’s congressional delegation, supports Governor Bill Lee’s appeal for federal assistance following devastating storms that began on April 2, 2025.
The request is in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, addressing substantial impacts from a storm system that caused persistent damage until April 6. This weather event included 19 tornadoes and rainfall reaching up to 15 inches, leading to severe flooding. The state faced additional challenges from straight-line winds, reaching up to 90 mph, which significantly damaged properties, blocked over 325 roads, and affected 25 water treatment facilities. Unfortunately, the storms resulted in the loss of 10 lives.
Governor Lee is requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance in the following 15 counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Grundy, Hardeman, Hickman, Humphreys, Lewis, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Sumner, and Wilson. This includes programs for individuals and households, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, SNAP, case management, legal services, and small business administration assistance.
In addition, the Governor seeks Public Assistance (Categories A-G) in another set of counties: Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, and Wilson. This support involves sheltering and direct federal assistance as coordinated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Governor Lee requested a 100% federal cost share for eligible expenses during the initial 90 days of response efforts commencing on April 2.
There is also a statewide request for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Additional counties such as Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Montgomery, Stewart, and Sumner are expected to be included in the major declaration request extension.
The Tennessee delegation, comprising both Republican and Democratic representatives, expressed a unified stance in urging the president to approve the request promptly to aid their communities. Senator Blackburn and fellow cosigners are prepared to facilitate further information as needed.
