Gov. Inslee seeks more time from FEMA to assess WA bomb cyclone damage
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Gov. Jay Inslee has requested a 30-day extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete damage assessments from November's bomb cyclone, a severe windstorm that devastated parts of King County. If granted, the deadline for submitting damage estimates would move to Jan. 24.
In his letter to FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie Nunn, Inslee explained that ongoing response efforts and additional storm systems have delayed the damage assessment process. The extension is critical to determining whether the state meets the threshold for a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance.
If approved by the president, public assistance funds could help reimburse costs for debris removal and the repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
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Damage thresholds, challenges
For Washington to qualify for public assistance, statewide infrastructure damages must total at least $14.5 million. Individual counties must also meet specific thresholds: King County, for example, requires $10.7 million, while Whatcom County must reach $1 million.
King County has already surpassed its threshold, reporting $11 million in damages, allowing it to begin applying for federal disaster assistance. Nearby Snohomish County is still collecting damage reports, urging residents to participate in surveys to help assess eligibility.
The bomb cyclone, which struck on Nov. 19, caused widespread destruction across King County. Hard-hit areas like the Mirrormont neighborhood outside Issaquah saw extensive damage, with over 250 homes classified as suffering major or catastrophic impacts.
Next steps for assistance
Once damage assessments are complete, the state can request additional aid from the Small Business Administration for loans to assist homeowners and businesses.
Inslee’s extension request underscores the challenges faced by local governments in compiling accurate damage estimates while responding to immediate recovery needs.
The state’s Emergency Management Division will begin a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with FEMA no earlier than Dec. 16, if the extension is approved. The findings will determine whether Inslee will formally request a federal disaster declaration, a process that could take weeks or months to resolve.
Community impact, recovery efforts
Local officials are emphasizing the need for federal aid, with King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn pushing for emergency grants to help homeowners with immediate costs like tree removal and temporary housing.
"We’re used to floods and the occasional wildfire, but hurricane-force winds are rare," Dunn said. "This was a once-in-a-decade, maybe once-in-a-generation event."
In the meantime, storm recovery efforts continue, with residents and contractors working to rebuild homes and clear debris. As Washington waits for a decision from FEMA, communities are rallying to support those most affected by the storm.
For more updates, visit the Washington Emergency Management Division website.
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