Tennessee Gets FEMA Boost After Winter Storm Hits Hard
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
A big winter storm hit Tennessee starting January 22, 2026, causing serious damage. The President declared an emergency on January 24, so FEMA can help cover 75% of the cleanup and safety costs to protect people and property. This means faster aid and support for affected communities to bounce back stronger and safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Emergency Protective Measures Authorized
A severe winter storm began January 22, 2026 and the President declared an emergency for Tennessee on January 24, 2026. FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B) as direct federal assistance for all 95 counties in Tennessee.
Federal Share Covers 75% of Eligible Costs
Under the declaration, any Federal funds provided for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. FEMA may therefore cover up to 75% of eligible cleanup and emergency protective costs for the declared Tennessee emergency.
Multiple Disaster Assistance Programs Available
The declaration lists multiple federal assistance programs for the Tennessee emergency, including Disaster Housing Assistance (CFDA 97.048, 97.049), Disaster Unemployment Assistance (CFDA 97.034), Crisis Counseling (CFDA 97.032), Disaster Legal Services (CFDA 97.033), Other Needs Assistance (CFDA 97.050), Hazard Mitigation Grant (CFDA 97.039), and related CFDA numbers. These programs are available for reporting and drawing funds related to the declared emergency.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15946, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15943, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15942, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15938, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15941, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08838, Tennessee; Amendment No. 2 to Notice of an Emergency Declaration
Tennessee’s emergency declaration from January 24, 2026, just got an official update! The emergency period officially ended on January 27, 2026, which means the state can now access specific federal disaster funds to help with recovery. This change clears the way for Tennessee to get the money and support it needs to bounce back faster.
Next: 2026-08840, Arkansas; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of an Emergency Declaration
Arkansas’ emergency declaration from January 24, 2026, just got an official update! The emergency period officially ended on January 27, 2026, which means the state can now access specific federal disaster funds to help with recovery. This update affects Arkansans needing disaster aid and sets clear rules for how and when money can be used.