Q: Is Iowa having an unusual start to severe weather season?

A: According to preliminary data from the National Weather Service (NWS), Iowa is on pace for one of the most severe and deadliest tornado seasons in recent history. From records going back to 1950, Iowa has had more tornados sweep across the state through the month of May, at least 80, in 2024. That surpasses the previous record of 64 tornados in the first five months of the year set in 2004. While Iowans are no strangers to severe weather, the tremendous damage and loss of life from the recent EF-3 tornado in Minden and the EF-4 tornado that decimated much of Greenfield underscores the importance of weather preparedness. In just 60 seconds on May 21, the deadly tornado swept through Adair’s county seat in a destructive mile-long path, while two others spanned 130 miles from Montgomery to Story counties, according to the NWS. I joined Sen. Joni Ernst to survey the damage and storm recovery in Greenfield, observing first-hand the resilience, grit and generosity of Iowans pulling together to remove debris, serve meals, donate, volunteer and pitch in to help neighbors and strangers alike. This week, I met with impacted residents in Adams County to hear about their recovery and need for assistance. Local first responders and emergency management officials are providing around-the-clock services to impacted residents, reflecting the can-do spirit among Iowans as communities pull together to recover and rebuild.

Q: What federal assistance is available for Iowans hard hit by the severe weather?

A:  I led the Iowa congressional delegation to support Gov. Kim Reynolds’ request for federal disaster assistance to help respond to the extensive damages and power outages from the recent severe weather events. This was the second request in less than a month, following the governor’s earlier disaster declaration for communities hit in April for which I also pushed the Biden administration to swiftly approve. I’m glad the Biden administration agreed to expedite the governor’s requests to help local residents and businesses recover. This opens up lanes of federal disaster assistance available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), allowing Iowa to activate Public and Individual Disaster Assistance programs.

The following eight counties are eligible for Individual Assistance programs from the April 26-27 storms: Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby and Union. From the May 20-21 storms, the following counties are eligible for Individual Assistance programs: Adair, Montgomery, Polk and Story. So far, Adair County also is eligible for resources from the Public Assistance program.

Here’s a snapshot of federal assistance programs available for impacted communities:

  • FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provides disaster-affected homeowners, renters and businesses access to recovery services, including help with housing, personal property replacement, medical expenses and legal services.
  • The SBA Disaster Loan program allows homeowners, renters, businesses and most nonprofit organizations impacted by disasters to apply for low-interest disaster loans.
  • FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funding to rebuild damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, as well as covering the costs of emergency work and clean-up efforts.

I also urged Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to expedite federal assistance available to impacted farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers disaster assistance through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including the Farm Loans program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock program. Impacted farmers in Adair, Adams, Audubon, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Crawford, Dallas, Decatur, Fremont, Jasper, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Story, Taylor, Warren and Wayne counties may now qualify for low-interest physical loss loans through your local FSA office. Learn more at farmers.gov.

Iowans seeking more information can visit disasterrecovery.iowa.gov to find specific resources available. Register for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; call (800)621-3362; or use the FEMA app. Find information about local Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers here.

Before hiring contractors, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird reminds Iowans to protect against fraud-related scams. Check out a contractor’s reputation with trusted friends and family, verify a contractor’s identity, get a written contract and work directly with your insurer. FEMA does not charge application fees; it’s a scam if someone charges money to help obtain FEMA funds. If you suspect price gouging, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office, 888-777-4590 or file a complaint online at www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov.

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