Report Michigan flood, tornado damage in bid for aid, state police urge

Carol Thompson, The Detroit News on Apr 21, 2026

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DETROIT — People who own property damaged by the "historic" flooding and tornado activity in Michigan last week should report damage to the state, officials from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division said.

Damage reports will help Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seek federal disaster funding, said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

"We strongly encourage everyone to report your damage and include photos," Sweeney said in a press release. "The information you provide directly supports response efforts and helps build a better picture of the extent of damages that will be used to determine if federal help is available."

The MSP created an online self-reporting tool to collect damage reports, photos and contact information.

The survey asks about the types of property damaged, how property is used, insurance coverage, the extent of damage and more. People can upload photos along with their damage reports. They also can say whether they need additional help.

MSP will share the reports with local emergency managers.

Rain and snowmelt caused river levels to rise rapidly and flood communities throughout the state, and nine tornadoes touched down, Sweeney said.

List of Michigan counties in a state of emergency

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer placed nearly half of Michigan — 40 of the state's 83 counties — under a state of emergency because of the damage. The first was April 10 in Cheboygan County, since the Cheboygan River was rising and threatening to overtop the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. That emergency declaration remains in effect.

Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center on April 14. The next day, she issued state of emergency declarations in 32 more counties: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Menominee, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Wexford.

On April 18, she issued emergency declarations in Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Mecosta and Muskegon counties, as well as the cities of Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo.

On April 20, she issued emergency declarations in Iron and Marquette counties.

How Michigan can get federal disaster aid

Local, state and tribal governments can seek federal disaster help when they are not able to fully respond to residents' needs after a disaster like tornadoes or flooding, according to Michigan State Police.

Governors can request federal help for emergencies or disasters. If the president grants the request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates a response. FEMA determines what help is available based on needs identified in damage assessments.

FEMA disaster help can include aid given to individuals, aid given to public entities to repair or replace damaged facilities, or for hazard mitigation assistance to help reduce future losses to private and public property.

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