Politics & Government
Governor Requests Federal Emergency Aid For Storm-Stricken Areas
In Tennessee, at least seven tornadoes killed four people and destroyed buildings and homes in towns such as Dresden and Tiptonville.
December 13, 2021
Gov. Bill Lee sought federal emergency assistance Monday for nine counties struck by tornadoes Friday and early Saturday killing four people and doing millions of dollars in damage.
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“Our emergency officials, first responders and law enforcement brought hope where there was none in the aftermath of these storms,” Lee said in a Monday statement. “Our effort now will be to bring as much relief as possible to these devastated communities.”
Lee is requesting President Joe Biden make an emergency declaration so federal assistance can become available to Cheatham, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Lake, Stewart, Obion and Weakley Counties to handle debris removal and emergency protection.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency would reimburse local jurisdictions for work or provide operating assistance if the request is approved.
Lee indicated the state will ask for a major disaster declaration for jurisdictions that qualify once local officials complete an assessment of storm damage to make FEMA’s programs available.
Two lines of severe weather swept across the state from Friday evening through Saturday morning, spawning at least seven tornadoes in West and Middle Tennessee. The storms killed at least four and left more than 150,000 people without power while destroying buildings and homes in small towns such as Dresden and Tiptonville.
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