BERWYN – The federal administration – through the Federal Emergency Management Agency — has officially denied the state’s appeal for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that impacted multiple counties from Aug. 16–19, 2025, including large portions of the district Cervantes represents.

“I am disappointed and angry at this administration’s decision to deny a disaster declaration for the hundreds of families who not only lost furniture and stoves, but memories and precious moments that money cannot buy back,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Last summer’s storms wreaked absolute havoc in my community. The damage they caused qualifies as a disaster, and this administration’s refusal to acknowledge that demonstrates how little they value my community.”

In a letter dated Feb. 7, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reaffirmed its initial decision, stating that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted for this incident. This denial specifically applies to the state’s request for Individual Assistance for residents in Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry and Will counties.

The state’s appeal, submitted on Nov. 21, 2025, followed months of coordination between local, state and federal officials, including joint Preliminary Damage Assessments and a supplemental round of assessments in early November to capture the full scope of the damage. The August storm system caused substantial flooding, significant property damage, widespread power outages, and blocked roadways for homeowners and businesses across northern Illinois.

Following this decision, Cervantes plans to continue work with local emergency management partners to support their ongoing efforts to assist his constituents in their long-term recovery.