Governor Lee signs executive order to provide relief to victims of severe weather

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Governor Bill Lee has signed an executive order aimed at providing relief to severe weather victims across Tennessee.

Lee signed Executive Order 105 to bring relief to Tennesseans following severe weather and flooding in Helene.

Previous: Helene hits middle Tennessee

“Tennessee is also requesting a major disaster declaration from FEMA to provide impacted TN counties with additional assistance and resources,” Lee said.

Today, I signed Executive Order 105 to provide critical assistance to victims of severe weather and flooding in Tennessee.

TN is also requesting a major disaster declaration from FEMA to provide affected TN counties with additional assistance and resources. pic.twitter.com/1eQzwzWxvr

— Governor Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) September 27, 2024

As of this writing, the death toll in the southern United States has surpassed 40. According to the Associated Press, at least 40 deaths have been reported in four states affected by Helene: Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

The East Tennessee Foundation has established a fund to begin accepting donations for counties affected by severe weather caused by Helene.

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty are also calling on President Joe Biden to “quickly approve” Governor Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration.

These letters read:

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to urge expeditious approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Relief Act due to the severe weather that occurred on September 26 and 27, 2024 .

The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction throughout Tennessee, especially in East Tennessee. An estimated 6 to 10 inches of rain fell in the eastern half of the state in the last 48 hours. Catastrophic flooding has devastated communities in East Tennessee, causing I-40 to collapse and destroying homes. Unicoi County Hospital was submerged in floodwaters, with patients and staff forced to take shelter on the roof while awaiting rescue. More than 75,500 power outages were reported statewide. As the heaviest rainfall hits middle and west Tennessee this weekend, more damage is expected.

To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting a Category A and B emergency declaration, including direct federal assistance. Governor Lee’s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this proposal as soon as possible.

Our offices will be happy to provide you with any additional information.

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to urge expeditious approval of Governor Bill Lee’s request for a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Relief Act due to the severe weather that occurred on September 26 and 27, 2024 .

The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction throughout Tennessee, especially in East Tennessee. An estimated 6 to 10 inches of rain fell in the eastern half of the state in the last 48 hours. Catastrophic flooding has devastated communities in East Tennessee, causing I-40 to collapse and destroying homes. Unicoi County Hospital was submerged in floodwaters, with patients and staff forced to take shelter on the roof while awaiting rescue. More than 75,500 power outages were reported statewide. As the heaviest rainfall hits middle and west Tennessee this weekend, more damage is expected.

To respond to this disaster, Governor Lee is specifically requesting a Category A and B emergency declaration, including direct federal assistance. Governor Lee’s request is attached. On behalf of the State of Tennessee, we urge you to approve this proposal as soon as possible.

Our offices will be happy to provide you with any additional information.

Kind regards,