The approval kicks off federal assistance for individuals and businesses.
Local residents hug in front of their tornado-damaged home in Greenfield, southwest Iowa, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Charlie Nivergal)
Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday requested an expedited presidential disaster declaration for four Iowa counties damaged by severe storms and tornadoes this week, leaving five people dead.
A tornado that swept across much of the state on Tuesday caused extensive damage in Greenfield, Iowa, killing four people and injuring at least 35.
A fifth person was killed Tuesday when a tornado blew a car off the road about 40 miles from Greenfield, the Adams County Sheriff's Office said. Monica Zamaron, 46, died Tuesday afternoon, officials announced.
The governor's request covers Adair, Polk, Story and Montgomery counties. The letter asks for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance Program and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Program to be activated in all four counties. Governor Reynolds also requested that FEMA's Public Assistance Program be activated in Adair County, which includes Greenfield.
More counties could be added if the application is approved, Reynolds' office said.
The authorization would allow the FEMA Individual Assistance Program and other assistance to county residents who lost property or income due to the storm. The program provides housing assistance, property replacement and other assistance to households and businesses. It does not cover losses covered by insurance.
The FEMA Public Assistance Program provides grants to state and local governments and some nonprofit organizations to help with cleanup and recovery.
The National Weather Service confirmed damage consistent with an EF-3 tornado in Greenfield on Wednesday, which equates to wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph. The weather service said the assessment is subject to change.
The agency also confirmed that the tornado that struck Polk and Story counties was an EF-2 tornado with wind speeds reaching 135 mph.
FEMA Administrator DeAnn Criswell is scheduled to visit Greenfield on Thursday to assess the damage. Reynolds and Criswell will hold a press conference at 11:15 a.m.
Tuesday's severe weather came about a month after multiple tornadoes ripped through Iowa in April, causing extensive damage and one death in Minden County. President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration for those counties last week.
