April 2026 Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding

Last Updated: August 17, 2026
Federal disaster assistance is available for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations impacted by the April 13–23, 2026, severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding following the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration issued on June 30, 2026.

The primary programs currently available are:

  • FEMA Individual Assistance 
  • SBA Disaster Loans
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

The deadline to apply for these programs is: August 31, 2026.

FEMA Individual Assistance (IA)

FEMA Individual Assistance provides financial assistance for eligible disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Assistance may help with:

  • Temporary housing or rental assistance
  • Repairs to an owner-occupied primary residence
  • Essential personal property
  • Other eligible disaster-related expenses

Homeowners and renters whose primary residence or personal property was impacted by the April 13–23 storms and flooding in one of the following designated areas listed below may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance.

FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) Designated Areas:

  • Bayfield County
  • Brown County
  • Buffalo County
  • Jackson County
  • Jefferson County
  • Juneau County
  • Kenosha County
  • Manitowoc County
  • Marathon County
  • Milwaukee County
  • Oneida Indian Reservation
  • Outagamie County
  • Racine County
  • Rock County
  • Sauk County
  • Vernon County
  • Washington County
  • Waukesha County
  • Waupaca County
  • Winnebago County

 

Source: FS02-DR4923-How-to-Apply-for-Assistance.pdf.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

Learn more about FEMA IA eligibility criteria here: Eligibility Criteria for FEMA Assistance | FEMA.gov
 

Learn More: FS02 DR4923 How to Apply for Assistance

 

Already Applied?

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center for help:

  • Checking your application status
  • Submitting requested documents
  • Understanding FEMA letters or decisions
  • Correcting or updating your application
  • Navigating the appeals process
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) is August 31, 2026.

Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:

  • Whether you are approved for assistance
  • How much assistance you will receive
  • How the assistance must be used
  • How to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it

The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on your preference selected when you completed your application.

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal within 60 days of the date of the letter.

For more information about the appeal process, visit:  Disagreeing with FEMA’s Decision | FEMA.gov

Select below to view or download:

SBA Disaster Loans

Low-interest disaster loans are available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for eligible homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofit organizations affected by the April 13–23, 2026 storms.
Despite its name, SBA disaster assistance is available to more than just businesses. Eligible homeowners and renters may also qualify.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest federal disaster loans to help with eligible disaster losses not fully covered by insurance or other assistance.

SBA disaster assistance is not only for businesses.

Read more details in the press release: SBA-Press-Release_2026_07_08_9552.pdf

Depending on eligibility, assistance is available to:

  • Renters
  • Homeowners
  • Businesses of all sizes
  • Private nonprofit organizations

Loans may help repair or replace disaster-damaged homes, personal property, business property, equipment, inventory, and other eligible losses.

Online: Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration
Phone: 800-659-2955
In person: Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center or SBA Business Recovery Center
 
For additional assistance contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955

SBA Deadlines:

Physical Damage Loans: August 31, 2026
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): March 30, 2027
IMPORTANT: You may still qualify for an SBA disaster loan even if you have insurance. SBA encourages applicants to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting for insurance claims to be settled. Loan eligibility is based on uninsured or underinsured losses.

Select to view:

IMPORTANT: You may still qualify for an SBA disaster loan even if you have insurance. SBA encourages applicants to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting for insurance claims to be settled. Loan eligibility is based on uninsured or underinsured losses.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance, or DUA, provides temporary unemployment assistance to eligible people whose employment or self-employment was directly affected by the April 2026 disaster and who are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits.

DUA may be available to eligible workers and self-employed individuals who:

  • Lost work because of the disaster
  • Could not reach their workplace because of disaster impacts
  • Had a workplace damaged or closed because of the disaster
  • Lost or experienced disruption to self-employment income
  • Were otherwise unable to work as a direct result of the disaster

Apply through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Applicants must first apply for regular Unemployment Insurance so DWD can determine eligibility for regular UI or DUA.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) deadline to apply is August 31, 2026.

Additional Recovery Resources

Call 2-1-1

Storm and flood survivors seeking cleanup assistance, local resources, or other recovery support can contact 211 to learn what may be available in their community.

  • Call: Dial ‘211’ or 877-947-2211
  • Online: 211 Wisconsin
  • Text: Text your ZIP code to ‘898211‘
  • Mobile App: Download the 211 Mobile App HERE
 
Community resources vary by location and are largely dependent on volunteers and donations. 

The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in the State of Wisconsin affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding have until Nov. 2, 2026, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

You can learn more about that announcement at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-taxpayers-impacted-by-severe-storms-tornadoes-and-flooding-in-the-state-of-wisconsin-various-deadlines-postponed-to-nov-2-2026.

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual emotional support.

Call or text 800-985-5990

Flyers & Outreach Materials

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Local Information

Recovery information varies by community. For the most up-to-date information—including Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) locations, hours, and other local recovery updates—contact 2-1-1, visit your county or municipal website, and follow your local government on social media.

Milwaukee County
Waukesha County

Ongoing Flood Recovery Efforts

Looking for additional recovery updates?
Long-term flood recovery has been ongoing since August 2025. Visit the Long-Term Recovery Group page for updates on meetings, resource needs, and more. 
Be sure to also check your municipal and county website for more specific announcements. To suggest updates or corrections for this webpage contact: coadsewi@gmail.com.