New York Gov. Kathy Hockle has asked President Joe Biden to declare a federal emergency after severe weather devastated parts of the state earlier this week.
Hawkle’s letter to Biden cited the high winds and heavy rains that wreaked havoc on July 15 and 16 across 15 counties, including Genesee, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oswego, Oneida, Saratoga and Schuyler counties.
The governor also cited an “unprecedented” 17 tornadoes that have already hit New York this month, the most confirmed tornadoes in New York state in a July month since records began in 1950.
The letter was sent to the president on Saturday.
Governor Hawkle said he has already declared a state of emergency across the state and that he needs federal assistance to clear debris from roads and restore damaged public facilities.
“New York has seen an unprecedented 17 confirmed tornadoes so far this month — more than Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Iowa combined.” Hochul wrote in X“We have requested a federal emergency declaration to assist in our efforts to help our community recover from last week’s severe weather.”
The letter anticipates more aid will be needed and asks for a waiver of the $5 million limit on federal aid.
While the Biden administration is reviewing the request, the state’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is continuing to outreach to affected counties.
If granted, the declaration would free up funds to deal with further damage from the storms of July 11 and 12.
