Illinois has already set a record this year for the most number of tornadoes with over 150 confirmed twisters, several rated EF2 or higher. Millions of dollars in damage has resulted from the twisters. At the same time, Illinois is facing a decline in federal disaster assistance. Reports say more severe weather events could strain local and state governments as recent analysis shows blue states have struggled to get federal aid requests approved under the Trump administration.
The National Weather Service confirmed 153 tornadoes in Illinois as of June 23rd. Before 2023, the state hadn’t recorded more than 73 tornadoes in a calendar year since 2006. At the same time, a decrease in federal aid is putting more pressure on state and local governments as communities rebuild after the severe weather events.
To submit a request for public assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the county and state must first issue an emergency declaration, followed by a presidential declaration, according to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. FEMA can issue public and individual assistance grants after a disaster declaration.