Illinois leaders expressed concern about the availability of federal disaster assistance as communities across the state continue recovering from a series of destructive tornadoes and severe storms.
The worries come as meteorologists say Illinois is on pace for a record-breaking year for tornado activity.
Authorities say at least two people were killed Sunday night in southern Illinois after severe storms moved through the region. Damage was reported in several communities as residents began the long process of cleanup and recovery.
At 196 tornadoes so far this year, according to the Storm Prediction Center, Illinois has recorded its highest tornado count since records began – and the year isn’t over yet.
NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Iisha Scott said the traditional boundaries of Tornado Alley have shifted eastward in recent years, contributing to increased tornado activity in Illinois and other Midwest states.
“Tornado Alley was the plains into Texas, but we are starting to see Tornado Alley shift a little bit farther to the east,” Scott said, noting that warming temperatures may be contributing to conditions that support stronger storms.
As residents continue to recover from the latest storms, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said obtaining federal assistance remains a concern.
During a news conference on Monday, Pritzker said local and state officials were still assessing storm damage before submitting requests for federal aid.
“FEMA is a mess,” Pritzker said. “The Federal Emergency Management Agency, they’ve cut back significantly on the support that they give when there are emergencies. They are slow in responding with the dollars that they promise.”
Under the disaster assistance process, counties must first declare a disaster before the state can seek federal assistance. Damage assessments are then submitted to FEMA.
FEMA said it has not yet received requests for federal assistance related to the most recent storms.
On the Senate floor, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin also voiced concerns about federal disaster relief, pointing to what he described as an inadequate response to severe storms that impacted Illinois last year.
“I’m concerned that FEMA will not display the same level of urgency after its refusal recently to assist thousands of Illinoisans impacted by severe storms last year,” Durbin said.
Durbin urged federal officials to put politics aside when considering disaster aid requests.
“Disaster relief is no place to play politics,” he said. “Think about the families who have been touched by tornadoes.”
The Trump administration has previously said it wants states to take a larger role in disaster response and recovery, reducing the federal government’s responsibility in some emergencies.
For families still cleaning up debris, repairing homes and rebuilding their lives, state and federal assistance could play a critical role in the months ahead as Illinois grapples with the effects of one of its most active tornado years on record.
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