Missouri’s governor seeks a ‘major disaster’ declaration after a powerful EF-3 tornado devastates St. Louis and nearby areas. Federal inspections and aid decisions are underway, but FEMA assistance may take weeks to arrive.
United States: On Monday, news kept coming about the St. Louis tornado, including support being offered by the government to those affected.
On Wednesday, federal teams will start inspecting tornado-affected homes and neighborhoods in the north part of St. Louis and in areas near St. Louis County.
Governor Requests Major Disaster Declaration
When the assessment is done, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe will officially call on President Donald Trump to declare the tornado devastation a “major disaster.”
The agreement might shape the way authorities help homeowners and renters who did not carry insurance, stltoday.com reported.
FEMA Aid Timeline Remains Uncertain
We do not know yet when or if there will be assistance. It is not unusual for FEMA to take weeks after the governor’s request before declaring a major disaster.
In the meantime, Kehoe has asked Trump for immediate funds of up to USD 5 million to support the state’s emergency efforts and clean up.
On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a report that found the tornado was widest at one mile and lasted for nearly 23 miles.
The EF-3 tornado had wind speeds up to 152 mph. It formed rapidly and made landfall in Clayton, then went through neighborhoods in St. Louis and finally crossed the Mississippi River, stltoday.com reported.
Moving north on the Illinois side, it passed Granite City and Pontoon Beach before following the SIU Edwardsville campus along the river.
