Tennessee – State and federal officials have approved expanded disaster aid for Tennessee following the deadly and destructive impacts of Winter Storm Fern, a powerful system that left hundreds of thousands without power and caused widespread damage across large parts of the state.
Bill Lee announced that Donald J. Trump approved Tennessee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking additional federal resources to support response and recovery efforts in West and Middle Tennessee.
“As Tennesseans begin the recovery process following Winter Storm Fern, I’m grateful to President Trump for granting our Major Disaster Declaration request,” said Gov. Lee. “This approval ensures federal resources are available to support Tennesseans, and we are grateful for the Trump Administration’s unwavering support.”
Federal assistance expands to more counties
The declaration makes FEMA Public Assistance available to eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, in 15 Tennessee counties. The funding is designed to help cover qualifying disaster-related costs tied to emergency response and long-term recovery, including repairs to damaged infrastructure.
Counties newly approved for FEMA Public Assistance include Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, and Williamson.
This expansion builds on earlier approvals that granted Category B Emergency Protective Measures Public Assistance to eight other counties: Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Lawrence, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson. Category B assistance typically covers emergency actions taken to protect lives, public health, and safety during and immediately after a disaster.
State officials noted that additional counties could still be added if ongoing damage assessments show that federal disaster criteria have been met.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick C. Sheehan said the declaration is a critical step for communities still dealing with storm damage.
“Securing a Major Disaster Declaration is a crucial step in helping communities access the resources they need to support recovery,” Sheehan said. “We’re grateful to the President for this support and to the federal, state, and local partnerships that made this possible. We will continue working with FEMA to seek additional assistance, including Individual Assistance, and to ensure Tennesseans have access to the help they need.”
Winter Storm Fern leaves lasting impact
The declaration follows Winter Storm Fern, a severe winter weather event that brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain to Tennessee. Heavy ice accumulation across West and Middle Tennessee caused widespread damage to roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure. Electric systems were hit especially hard, and at the peak of the storm more than 365,000 customers statewide were without power.
Officials confirmed that the storm has claimed 29 lives, underscoring the severity of the event and its long-term toll on communities. Cleanup and recovery efforts remain ongoing as residents, local governments, and utility crews continue to restore services and repair damage.
Under the declaration, eligible entities in the designated counties can apply for reimbursement through FEMA’s Public Assistance program for approved disaster-related expenses. More information about eligible categories and the application process is available through FEMA.
State leaders said the expanded declaration represents an important step toward stabilizing affected areas as Tennessee continues the long road to recovery following one of the most damaging winter storms in recent years.
