Governor Requests Federal Disaster Assistance for St. Francois County Following April Severe Storms

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Governor Mike Kehoe has requested a federal major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, following a series of severe storms that caused widespread damage across Missouri, including in St. Francois County.

The storms, which occurred between April 23 - 28, 2026, brought tornadoes, straight-line winds, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and large hail to several parts of the state. State officials confirmed at least eight tornadoes during the severe weather outbreak.

Governor Kehoe announced Friday that Missouri is seeking FEMA Public Assistance for ten counties, including St. Francois County. If approved, local governments and eligible nonprofit agencies would be able to seek federal reimbursement for emergency response costs and repairs to public infrastructure damaged during the storms.

Eligible projects could include repairs to roads, bridges, public buildings, and other infrastructure impacted by the severe weather system.

Governor Kehoe said the damage assessments conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, and local officials documented extensive destruction and significant recovery costs.

According to the Governor’s Office, preliminary assessments estimate more than 36 million dollars in eligible public infrastructure damage and emergency response costs statewide. Missouri’s federal threshold to qualify for public assistance is approximately $11.9 million.

The Governor also requested FEMA Individual Assistance for six Missouri counties where more than 140 households reportedly sustained uninsured damage. That assistance could help eligible residents with temporary housing, home repairs, and replacement of damaged belongings and vehicles.

One of the most notable weather reports from the outbreak came in Springfield, where a hailstone measuring 4.75 inches in diameter - roughly the size of a compact disc - was confirmed as the largest hailstone ever recorded in Springfield, Mo. 

The federal disaster declaration request is now under review by FEMA and the White House.