Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), along with his Kansas delegation colleagues U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), and Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), requested President Donald J. Trump issue a major disaster declaration due to severe storms from June 3 to June 7, 2025. The storms affected the Kansas 4th Congressional District counties of Barber, Butler, Cowley, Greenwood, Harper, Kingman and Sumner.

The full letter can be found below.

Dear Mr. President:

We write today in support of Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from June 3 through June 7, 2025. The aftermath of these natural disasters has left lasting impacts on the communities affected beyond when the storms have taken place. Federal support must be provided to assist our state in emergency response and restoration efforts.

According to the National Weather Service, the state of Kansas experienced near record values of atmospheric moisture through a very deep layer which is more typical of a tropical environment as opposed to Kansas. This resulted in dangerous flash flooding across the state, with many counties experiencing the heaviest rainfall between 5-12 inches occurred.

This resulted in considerable damage to farms, homes, public infrastructure, and utilities. Furthermore, there were reports of multiple water rescues of flooded vehicles and trapped people across the affected counties.

Severe weather impacts resulted in electrical outages in rural areas, disrupting multiple 911-dispatch facilities. Many emergency calls were rerouted and caused emergency responders to respond to some areas in impassable travel conditions with downed electric poles and lines.

While the physical damages were devastating to the affected communities, Kansans have experienced financial burdens for responding to the disasters. Following a survey of the damage to the impacted counties including Barber, Butler, Chase, Cowley, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner and Wallace it is estimated Kansas will qualify for over $7.5 million in public assistance funding.

We, the Kansas Delegation, again express our wholehearted support for the Governor’s request. We look forward to federal support being made available expeditiously to adequately equip state and local governments with the resources necessary to respond to the devastation caused by these severe storms.