NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced President Trump’s approval of his request for a Major Disaster Declaration, making FEMA Individual Assistance available for nine counties and Public Assistance available for 19 Counties impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred over April 2-6, 2025.

“State and local officials continue to provide critical support to Middle and West Tennesseans who face a long road to recovery,” said Gov. Lee. “As the rebuilding process continues, I thank President Trump and our federal partners for granting resources to further our severe weather response and recovery.”

The Tennessee counties named in the Major Disaster Declaration to receive FEMA Individual Assistance include Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, and Wilson Counties. The Tennessee counties that are approved to receive FEMA Public Assistance include Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henry, Hickman, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Stewart, and Tipton.

“Securing a Major Disaster Declaration is a crucial step in getting our communities the help they need,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “We are grateful for the federal, state, and local partnerships that made this possible.”

Gov. Lee and TEMA Director Sheehan also shared guidance and resources that are available to Tennesseans in impacted areas:

FEMA Individual Assistance Program

Individuals in the declared counties can apply now for direct assistance through FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Multilingual operators are available.

Those eligible for FEMA’s IA program may receive help with rental assistance, home repair and personal property replacement, in addition to other uninsured or underinsured disaster losses. More information on FEMA’s IA program can be found here.

FEMA Public Assistance Program

The Major Disaster Declaration allows eligible government entities and certain private non-profits in the declared counties to apply for reimbursement of specific expenses related to the disaster through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program.

Information about FEMA’s PA program and its eligible reimbursement categories can be found on the FEMA website.

This request was made after an impactful storm system entered the area on April 2 and stalled until moving out of the state on April 6. During that time, impacted areas experienced an unprecedented period of severe weather and prolific rainfall. This weather event claimed 10 lives and left significant damage across West and Middle Tennessee. Resources and updates for survivors can be found on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency website.