FEMA Provides Federal Disaster Aid for Washington After December Storms

Assistance available for individuals, tribal communities, and local governments impacted by severe weather.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:52am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a small village nestled in a flooded valley, dwarfed by the dramatic, turbulent storm clouds overhead, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural disaster.The powerful December storms that ravaged Washington state have left lasting damage, exposing the region's vulnerability to the growing threat of extreme weather events.Pacific Today

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal disaster assistance is now available to Washington state residents affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that struck the region in December 2025. The declaration covers multiple counties and tribal communities, providing funding for temporary housing, home repairs, and infrastructure restoration.

Why it matters

The December storms were the second 100-year storm to hit the region in the last five years, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While federal aid is a critical step in the recovery process, local officials note that it does not fully resolve the long-term challenges faced by communities grappling with repeated disasters and rising insurance costs.

The details

The federal assistance will support recovery efforts for damage caused by the storms between December 5 and December 19, 2025. Individuals may be eligible for grants to cover temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Federal Public Assistance funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for state, tribal, and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations to support emergency work and infrastructure repair.

  • The severe storms struck the region between December 5 and December 19, 2025.
  • The federal disaster declaration was announced on April 12, 2026.

The players

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for coordinating the federal government's response to disasters and providing assistance to affected communities.

John F. Harrison

The federal coordinating officer named for recovery operations in the affected areas.

Everson Mayor John Perry

The mayor of Everson, a city in Whatcom County that experienced widespread flooding and is facing challenges in the rebuilding process.

Ashley Butenschoen

The Vice President of the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, which is working to support the recovery efforts in the affected communities.

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What they’re saying

“The availability of federal aid is a critical step in the recovery process, but it doesn't fully resolve the challenges faced by communities grappling with repeated disasters and rising insurance costs.”

— Ashley Butenschoen, Vice President, Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group

“Residents face difficulties rebuilding due to mortgage obligations and rapidly increasing insurance rates, which have 'tripled or quadrupled' in recent years.”

— John Perry, Mayor of Everson

What’s next

Additional counties and tribal entities may be designated for assistance if further damage assessments support it.

The takeaway

The federal disaster declaration and available assistance are crucial for the recovery of Washington communities impacted by the severe storms, but long-term challenges remain in addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and their impact on local infrastructure and household finances.