NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led the Tennessee delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging his swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration following severe weather in the state beginning on April 2, 2025.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Mr. President:

We write to urge swift approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe weather beginning on April 2, 2025.

On April 2, a powerful storm system entered Tennessee and repeatedly moved over the state until April 6. During that time, the severe weather system resulted in a total of 19 tornadoes, wreaking unimaginable damage. In addition to the devastating outbreak of tornadoes, this generational event resulted in up to 15 inches of rain in some locations, causing severe flooding and flash flooding across the state. Straight-line winds with gusts up to 90 mph caused significant damage to property in several counties. Across the state, more than 325 roads were closed or impassable and 25 water treatment facilities were impacted. Sadly, 10 Tennesseans have died as a result of this severe weather.

To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for the following counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Grundy, Hardeman, Hickman, Humphreys, Lewis, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Sumner, and Wilson. This request encompasses the Individuals and Households Program, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Disaster SNAP, Disaster Case Management, Disaster Legal Services, and Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance.

The Governor is also requesting Public Assistance (Categories A-G) for the following counties: Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton, and Wilson. This includes support of sheltering and Direct Federal Assistance for those activities deemed necessary by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. For Public Assistance Categories A-B, Governor Lee is requesting a 100 percent federal cost share for eligible expenses incurred in the first 90 days of response starting April 2, 2025.

Additionally, Governor Lee is requesting the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide. Please note that the following counties are anticipated to be requested to add-on to this major declaration request: Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Montgomery, Stewart and Sumner counties.

Governor Lee’s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible. 

Our offices can provide you with any additional information you need.

CO-SIGNERS

Senator Blackburn was joined by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.) in sending the letter.