Governor Parson Seeks Joint Federal, State, and Local Damage Assessments in Preparation for Federal Major Disaster Declaration Request

AUGUST 11, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the state has begun the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance in response to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began impacting Missouri on July 29.  

“Beginning July 29, a severe weather pattern has repeatedly struck Missouri with damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding, causing extensive damage in 26 counties across the state,” Governor Parson said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working closely with local emergency managers and believes the damage clearly warrants the need for FEMA to participate in joint assessments in preparation for a federal disaster declaration request.” 

The state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in the following counties: Adair, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Dade, Greene, Grundy, Henry, Jackson, Knox, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, Morgan, Osage, Ozark, Perry, St. Genevieve, Scotland, Scott, Taney, and Vernon.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from, FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency managers who document storm damage and estimate recovery costs. Requesting joint PDAs is one of the first steps the state must take in order to request a federal major disaster declaration. Joint PDAs are being requested for FEMA Public Assistance. For Public Assistance, both state and county thresholds must be met in order for a county to be included in the request.

On August 4, an EF-2 tornado in Baring, Missouri, located in Knox County, destroyed or caused major damage to more than 35 residences as well as the town’s post office, fire station, and several other buildings. More than 30 people were displaced from their homes. That same night, torrential rain in Adair County led to flash flooding and dozens of emergency calls. Hundreds of thousands of Missourians have lost power over the past month due to strong winds downing trees and utility poles.