BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho communities hit hard by a powerful December windstorm are set to receive federal help after President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for 10 counties.
The declaration covers Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone counties following a Dec. 16-18 straight-line wind event that brought gusts of 80-90 mph across the region. A joint preliminary damage assessment conducted in April by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, and local representatives found total damage across the counties surpassed $8.3 million.
“The Presidential Disaster Declaration marks a critical step forward in helping North Idaho communities recover from the devastating windstorm that caused widespread damage across the region. Together we are unlocking more resources to help the process of rebuilding,” Gov. Brad Little said.
The president’s approval authorizes the Public Assistance Program, allowing government departments and some private nonprofit businesses in the approved counties to apply for assistance to support recovery efforts.
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management will work with potential applicants to submit a Request for Public Assistance within the 30-day application deadline of May 7, 2026. The request is the first step in identifying applicants eligible for the Public Assistance Program.
During the prolonged wind event, more than 100,000 customers experienced power loss, and 15 school districts reported closures because of extreme weather, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions. The storm caused multiple injuries and one fatality when a tree fell on an occupied home.
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“Severe straight-line winds left a trail of damage across northern Idaho,” said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. “This declaration is a vital step, and the funding will help restore public infrastructure. We will continue to work with FEMA and local partners to rebuild.”
