Gov. Rhoden Seeks FEMA Assistance for December Windstorm

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed a disaster declaration seeking FEMA assistance for damages caused during the December windstorm.

“South Dakotans are strong – and I am proud of all those who stepped up and responded quickly to begin recovery,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Recovery is a team effort, and it is important that state, local, tribal, and federal partners all do their part to help. Requesting FEMA assistance is the next step to ensure our communities have the support they need to fully rebuild.”

The winter windstorm began on December 17, 2025, bringing widespread winds exceeding 100 mph and causing severe infrastructure damage. The counties of Pennington, Custer, and Fall River were among the most affected.

While a majority of the cleanup is underway, including assistance from Department of Corrections inmates, a disaster declaration is required by the Governor within 30 days of the incident in order to seek FEMA assistance. For a storm to qualify for FEMA assistance, there must be at least $1,720,133.98 in damages to public property in South Dakota. Current estimates have now exceeded that threshold.

If approved by FEMA, public entities that qualify would receive 75% of the cost of repairs from FEMA, 10% from the state, and only 15% of the cost from the county.

You can find the disaster declaration here.

-Office of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden