FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Receives Disaster Declaration from President Trump

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that South Dakota has received a presidential disaster declaration in response to a historic, record-breaking winter windstorm that struck western South Dakota on December 17 and 18, 2025. The declaration makes federal assistance available to support recovery efforts following widespread damage caused by extreme winds.

“I appreciate President Trump giving us the help we need to rebuild and strengthen the communities hit hardest by this storm,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “With this federal support, we can repair damaged infrastructure, reduce the financial burden on local governments and utilities, and help affected areas recover stronger and become more resilient for the future.”

Governor Rhoden previously requested a presidential disaster declaration for this storm, which produced sustained high winds and gusts exceeding 90 mph in parts of western South Dakota, downing trees and power lines, damaging public infrastructure and leaving thousands of residents without power for days. The Black Hills region was particularly impacted as challenging terrain and extensive forest damage delayed restoration efforts and access for emergency responders.

The disaster declaration applies to public property in Custer, Fall River, and Pennington Counties. Preliminary damage assessments conducted January 20 to 22, 2026 confirmed more than $4.6 million in public infrastructure damage across the three counties, exceeding federal thresholds for disaster assistance. Damage included roads, power systems, parks, recreation areas, trails, and public facilities, with Custer County experiencing especially significant per-capita impacts.

The declaration provides Public Assistance funding for eligible recovery costs and makes Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding available statewide. This will help support ongoing recovery efforts while strengthening infrastructure to better withstand future extreme weather events.

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