Disaster Number 1736

12/27/2007 - Severe Winter Storms

In December 2007, a severe winter storm system moved through Missouri that generated ice, sleet, snow, heavy rain, flooding and frigid temperature across the state. Some areas in Missouri reported an inch and a half of ice. The storm was responsible for four deaths. Utility companies reported more than 170,000 customers without power as a result of the storm, some for days.

Thousands of Missourians were supported by 77 shelters and 10 warming stations that were established across the state. On Dec. 6, Gov. Matt Blunt ordered 211 Missouri National Guard members to assist residents.

On Dec. 9, Gov. Blunt ordered activation of the State Emergency Operations Plan in response to the storm. On Dec. 12, Gov. Blunt requested that damage assessment be conducted in the affected areas.

On Dec. 19, Gov. Blunt requested that President George Bush declare a major disaster in Missouri, requesting Public Assistance for the affected counties.

On Dec. 27, President Bush granted a disaster declaration, providing Public Assistance for Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barton, Benton, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Cedar, Clinton, Cole, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Hickory, Holt, Jasper, Lincoln, Linn, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Nodaway, Osage, Pike, Putnam, St. Clair, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Warren and Worth counties.

The major disaster declaration provided public assistance to the affected counties for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and permanent work to repair or replace facilities damaged by the severe storms.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides federal funds to reimburse 75 percent of the costs for removing debris, conducting emergency activities and repairing roads, bridges, utility and water control facilities, public buildings and parks.

More information on this disaster is available on FEMA's website.