LANSING, Mich. — President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration Thursday and ordered federal assistance to help with recovery efforts from tornadoes and flooding that hit Michigan in late August.

The decision made funding available to individuals impacted by the severe storms in the counties of Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne, according to a statement from the White House.

The assistance could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, the statement said.

Seven tornadoes touched down in Michigan on Aug. 24 as part of severe weather system that caused two deaths, downed trees, damaged buildings and spurred flooding. At the time, the storms prompted Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency.

The National Weather Service said one tornado in Ingham County had traveled along Interstate 96 for 1.5 miles, causing so much damage that the highway had to be shut down in both directions.

John Boyle of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas, according to the White House.

Residents and business owners who suffered losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.

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