Apply for Disaster Assistance
Federal disaster assistance is no longer available for homeowners or renters who were impacted by storms and flooding during April 13-23, 2026. The designated counties and tribal nation for this disaster included Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago counties and the Oneida Nation.
Additional Disaster Recovery Information
Storm and flooding survivors seeking cleanup resources or additional assistance can contact 211 to see what is available in their community.
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual emotional support. Call or text 800-985-5990.
On April 13 and 14, severe storms moved into Wisconsin bringing strong winds, hail, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall. This resulted in storm damage and flooding across the state. On April 15, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency.
On June 30, the Trump Administration approved Gov. Tony Evers’ request for a major disaster declaration. The following counties and tribe were approved for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program: Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago Counties and the Oneida Nation.
In addition, the following counties and tribe were approved for FEMA’s Public Assistance program: Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kewaunee, Outagamie, Rock, Vernon, and Waupaca Counties and the Oneida Nation. Racine County was initially not designated to receive Public Assistance, but Wisconsin successfully appealed the denial. Racine County was added as a designated county on August 18, 2026.
This page serves as a one-stop shop on state information for these events and resources. For information on what is happening at the local, tribal or county level, please refer to those channels for area specific information.
State Press Releases
- DWD Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Wisconsinites Impacted by Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
- Gov. Evers Slams President Trump and Trump Administration for Playing Politics with Disaster Relief, Pledges to Appeal Decision to Deny Wisconsin Disaster Relief
- Gov. Evers Requests Disaster Declaration from President Trump to Assist with Recovery Efforts After Destructive April Storms and Flooding
- Gov. Evers Requests FEMA Support to Assess and Respond to April Storm Damage in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 7: Final State Emergency Operations Center Update on April Severe Storms and Flooding
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 6: April Severe Storms and Flooding
- WI DMA PRESS RELEASE: Surviving the Storm What to do after a disaster and how to report storm damage
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 5: April Severe Storms and Flooding
- Debris From Recent Storms And Dry Forecast Increase Risk Of Wildfires
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 4: April Severe Storms and Flooding
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 3: April Severe Storms and Flooding
- Flood Waters Begin To Recede At Portage; Road Closures Remain, Well Water Testing Offered
- DNR Warns That Heavy Rain And Flooding Can Contaminate Private Wells
- DHS Urges Caution During Storm and Flood Cleanup
- Following Storm Damage, Wisconsin Consumers Should Use Caution When Seeking Repairs
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 2: April Severe Storms and Flooding
- Wisconsin River Rising In Columbia County; DNR Continues To Monitor
- Gov. Evers Visits Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers Supporting Flood Response Efforts in Columbia County
- Wisconsin Emergency Management Release: State Emergency Operations Center Update 1: April Severe Storms and Flooding
- WisDOT urges caution as highways close due to flooding
- Sandbag operations underway, watch for single lane closures along I-39 at the WIS 33 interchange near Portage
- DNR monitoring Portage-area levees due to rising flood levels
- Pine Island State Wildlife area closed due to flooding
- Gov. Evers declares state of emergency in response to flooding and severe weather impacts across Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Emergency Management elevates State Emergency Operations Center for April severe storms and flooding
Resources
Storm Damage Cleanup
- Under Resources: Add a Storm Damage Cleanup section
- WI DNR: Cleaning up storm debris
- WI DHS: After Storm Safety
- Recovering from Disaster
- Insurance: After a storm hits
Flood Cleanup
Health Safety
Insurance
Home Repairs
- Home Improvement Tips (PDF Download)
- Home Improvement scammers
- WI DATCP Consumer Protection Hotline
- Call toll-free at (800) 422-7128
- Email: DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov
Agriculture-Related Flood Resources
Protecting Oneself from Scams After a Disaster
Scams often pop up after natural disasters or emergencies. You can avoid scams by being and staying aware of common scam tactics.
Imposter Scams & Phishing
Be aware of imposters. Scammers may pose as important people. They may claim they are working with a government agency. They bait their victim with great offers. Or they scare them with threats. They are ‘phishing’ for personal or financial information. Their goal is to get you to react through emotion instead of logic.
Possible types of natural disaster scams include:
- Fraudulent charities soliciting donations for disaster victims that often imitate the names of charities linked to the disaster.
- Scammers impersonating government officials, offering disaster relief in exchange for personal information or money.
- Scammers promoting non-existent businesses or investment opportunities related to disaster recovery, such as rebuilding or flood-proofing.
- Price gouging for essential goods and services needed by disaster victims.
Emergency Home and Property Damage Repair Scams
Review these warning signs before hiring a “professional:”
- A door-to-door salesperson is offering a ‘one-time only’ special deal;
- Feeling pressured to act now;
- The contract is confusing;
- They don’t have a license;
- They can’t give you references;
- You must pay for everything before they start the work;
- You must pay in cash;
- They will not write out their offer;
- Their vehicle has out-of-state license plates; and
- They don’t have a business sign on their vehicle.
Always:
- Get in touch with your insurance company;
- Speak to a local licensed professional;
- Review credentials and references;
- Get more than one written estimate; and
- Ask for a contract and read it carefully.
Flood-Damaged Vehicles
Flood-damaged cars are often sold online. They can quickly be shipped across the country. Making it common for car dealers outside the disaster area to receive and sell these vehicles.
Flood-damaged cars don’t always show damage right away. This doesn’t mean vital parts like airbag sensors, brakes, and electrical systems aren’t affected.
Before buying a used car get the VIN number. It’s important to do a VIN check. You’ll also want to review the vehicle’s history. And it never hurts to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle.
Signs of a flood-damaged vehicle:
- Musty or “over-perfumed” smell;
- Discolored interior;
- Mold; or
- Water stains, moisture, mud, or residue in the trunk, under the carpet, or in unusual areas.
Best practices to keep your data and bank accounts secure include, but are not limited to:
- Donate to charities you know and trust.
- Designate the donation for a specific disaster relief effort as opposed to a general fund.
- Practice good cyber hygiene. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts.
- To protect against common scam tactics such as Smishing, Vishing, and Spear Phishing, see – ic3.gov-PSA
- Verify the legitimacy of any solicitation by contacting the organization directly through a trusted contact number.
- Beware of organizations with names that are similar to, but not exactly the same as, those of reputable charities.
- Avoid charities that ask for you to pay by cash, gift card, virtual (crypto) currency, or wire transfer.
- Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity; do not make checks payable to individuals.
- Know that most legitimate charity websites end in “.org” rather than “.com.”
- Make contributions directly; do not rely on others to make a contribution on your behalf.