COLUMBUS, Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for 23 Ohio counties hit by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes in August.
The storms began Aug. 10 and continued through Aug. 23. They produced flash flooding and 17 confirmed tornadoes. Two people died, at least four were injured, and authorities carried out about 59 water rescues, according to the governor’s office. One death occurred in Roseville when flooded roads blocked first responders from reaching a person in medical distress.
Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration teams completed preliminary damage assessments last week. They found at least 50 homes and businesses destroyed, 806 with major damage, and 475 with minor damage.
“Federal assistance will be critical in helping the Ohioans impacted by last month’s severe weather recover and move forward with their lives,” DeWine said. “These storms resulted in a disaster of such severity and magnitude that it exceeds the capabilities of the State of Ohio, local governments, and disaster relief organizations to provide comprehensive support.”
Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick said the aid would support homeowners, renters, and businesses already receiving state and local help.
Key details
• Counties included: Adams, Athens, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Darke, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Licking, Logan, Madison, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Preble, Richland, Shelby, and Washington.
• Aid requested: FEMA Individual Assistance (temporary housing, home repairs, rental help, personal property replacement, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment aid, and legal services); SBA low-interest loans for uninsured losses; FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants to reduce future risk.
• Hardest-hit communities: Repeated flooding struck Crooksville and Roseville in Perry and Muskingum counties. Columbus recorded one of its wettest Augusts on record. National Weather Service surveys confirmed multiple EF0 and EF1 tornadoes across the state.
• State response: Ohio EMA, National Guard, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Highway Patrol, EPA, and other agencies supported rescues, debris removal, water distribution, boil-water advisories, and damage assessments.
A presidential declaration is not automatic. Under the Stafford Act, the president decides after reviewing the state’s request and damage data. If approved, eligible residents and businesses in the listed counties could apply for federal help. The process can take weeks or longer.
Residents who suffered losses should keep photos, receipts, and records of damage and expenses. Local emergency management offices and Ohio EMA at ema.ohio.gov can provide current guidance.
