Recovery

A new Federal Emergency Management Agency transparency requirement may help counties gain visibility into funding requests, via a dashboard. Regular deadlines are expected to drive tracking.

FEMA said funding is available to private nonprofits to help recover from damage caused by the Kona low floods from March 10-24. Hawaii residents may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

City officials are still piecing together the true cost of two devastating March storms. They say the final price tag could shift as assessments continue and as agencies seek federal reimbursement.

The city is exploring how AI technology can support disaster response and recovery. A pilot has demonstrated a way to reduce data collection and processing times, improve safety, and free up employee time.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked President Donald Trump Wednesday to declare a major disaster in three counties that were hit by tornadoes March 6, the state's deadliest weather event in 50 years.

Officials are still determining the extent of destruction from back-to-back storms in Hawaii. Maui's Emergency Management head says the island will need federal assistance to fully restore communities to pre-disaster conditions.

The state is asking the federal government to assume 90 percent of the expected $1 billion-plus in recovery costs after a second storm ravaged Hawaii. The scale of destruction is shaping the governor's approach for funds.

The city is increasing efforts to repair homes damaged in a 2025 tornado, but currently only working on those that need smaller fixes. Full-scale rebuilds won't start until next year, and residents are losing patience.

The state Department of Transportation’s Highways Division estimates the most costly damage was to Oahu and Maui in last weekend's storm. Another, weaker Kona low is expected to arrive later this week.

The ruling orders FEMA to provide state and local governments with funds from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, after a move to end it was deemed “illegal” by a previous court ruling.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties following the four tornadoes reported late last week. One tornado was preliminarily rated an EF2, with wind speeds at 130 mph.

As the partial shutdown of the Homeland Security Department nears the end of its first full week, FEMA is expected to report that its disaster relief fund totals $9.6 billion, down from roughly $30 billion in December.

Louisiana lawmakers are asking President Donald Trump to open federal recovery money for the winter storm in late January that killed nine people, closed Interstate 20 and cut power to more than 175,000 homes.

Several members of Lexington’s Urban County Council expressed frustration about how the city responded to Winter Storm Fern, especially in light of the increased frequency of what were once rare weather events.

Washington, D.C., government shifted to operate with modifications, to ensure essential services remained available during the January snow event. IT played a supportive role behind the scenes.