Trump Approves Disaster Declarations for June Storms in North Dakota, North Carolina

President Donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for 19 counties in North Dakota affected by severe storms on June 20-21, which included multiple tornadoes, large hail, and straight-line winds. The storms, linked to a rare derecho, caused an estimated $11.4 to $11.5 million in damage to public infrastructure, utilities, grain bins, homes, and other private property, and resulted in four fatalities. This federal aid, made available through FEMA, will assist in covering repair and recovery costs for the impacted communities and utilities. Governor Kelly Armstrong expressed gratitude for the approval, highlighting the critical support for recovery from one of North Dakota's most powerful summer storms in recent history. The disaster declaration covers specific counties including Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill, and Wells. A separate request for federal aid following August storms causing $6 million in damage remains under review.