WASHINGTON — Federal disaster assistance is coming to the state of Minnesota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in May.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance, in Aitkin, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Morrison, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

“This spring brought unprecedented storms and historic flooding to our state. But time after time I’ve seen people put their neighbors’ needs ahead of their own while facing devastating consequences to their homes, farms, and businesses,” Gov. Tim Walz said following the federal declaration. “While the state continues to help in every way we can, we need the federal government’s help. I’m grateful that more assistance is on its way, and I’m committed to continuing the work to rebuild.”

On the morning of Sunday, May 8, thunderstorms generated winds in excess of 60 miles per hour that swept through Stearns and Morrison counties, downing trees and power lines.

The following day, May 9, tornados touched down. They ranged from an EF0 twister near Hastings to a cluster of five tornados – one with winds exceeding 110 miles per hour – in central Minnesota, causing extensive damage.

The evening of May 11, five tornadoes touched down in southwestern Minnesota to the northeast through the Twin Cities. On May 12 and 13, the southern two-thirds of the state experienced violent and dangerous storms and at least six tornadoes were confirmed in west central Minnesota.

The damage is estimated to be nearly $11 million. This federal disaster declaration unlocks public assistance for 23 counties to assist with emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Minnesota has also requested assistance for two other weather-related events in recent weeks, including a disaster declaration request for federal assistance for ongoing flooding in northwestern Minnesota, and an extension for the timeline to request support for a Memorial Day tornado outbreak that caused significant damage in more than 20 counties in order to complete damage assessments.

Brian F. Schiller has been named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.