FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 15, 2026
Contact: Delanie Edmunds
(208) 258-6585
delanie.edmunds@imd.idaho.gov

President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Idaho 

BOISE, ID – President Donald Trump has approved the State of Idaho’s Major Disaster Declaration to help ten Idaho counties and areas affected by a straight-line windstorm in December that brought substantial damage. 

The counties covered in the Presidential Disaster Declaration include Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce and Shoshone Counties. The December 16-18 straight-line wind event brought 80-90 mph gusts across the region. A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), and local representatives in April confirmed the total damage across the counties surpassed $8.3 million. 

“The Presidential Disaster Declaration marks a critical step forward in helping North Idaho communities recover from the devastating windstorm that caused widespread damage across the region. Together we are unlocking more resources to help the process of rebuilding,” said Governor Brad Little. 

The President’s approval authorizes the Public Assistance (PA) Program, meaning government departments and some private nonprofit businesses in the approved counties may apply for assistance to help with recovery efforts. IOEM will be working with potential applicants to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) within the 30-day application deadline of May 7, 2026. The RPA is the first step to identify eligible applicants to the Public Assistance Program.

During the prolonged wind event, over 100,000 customers experienced power loss. Fifteen school districts reported closures due to extreme weather, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions. The storm was responsible for multiple injuries and, sadly, one fatality when a tree fell on an occupied home. 

“Severe straight-line winds left a trail of damage across northern Idaho,” said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. “This declaration is a vital step, and the funding will help restore public infrastructure. We will continue to work with FEMA and local partners to rebuild.” 

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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.