Federal disaster assistance is now flowing to northern Michigan communities still recovering from the catastrophic ice storm that devastated the region in late March, bringing relief to residents who endured days without power and widespread property damage.

President Trump's major disaster declaration, announced this week, makes federal funding available to 13 counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians through FEMA's Public Assistance program. The declaration covers the severe winter storm that struck March 28-30, 2025, leaving thousands without electricity and causing extensive structural damage from falling ice and debris.

The federal assistance comes as residents continue dealing with extensive property damage from the storm, including homes where trees crashed through roofs and widespread debris cleanup needs.

The storm's impact was particularly severe in the affected counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle. Thick ice accumulation snapped tree limbs and downed power lines, leaving some areas without electricity for over a week.

Federal Coordinating Officer Darrin Ricketts will oversee recovery operations in the affected areas. The funding will help state, tribal and local governments, as well as eligible private nonprofit organizations, with emergency work and repairs on a cost-sharing basis.

Local contractors and volunteers mobilized quickly after the storm, with some traveling from Detroit to help with emergency roof repairs and debris removal. The scale of damage, however, has overwhelmed local resources and highlighted the need for federal assistance.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer had declared a state emergency shortly after the storm, activating the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate statewide recovery efforts. The federal declaration represents a significant escalation in support for the hard-hit region. Additional federal designations may be made pending further damage assessments, officials said.