Governor issues disaster proclamation for four Iowa counties

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday issued a disaster proclamation for Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Winneshiek counties in response to Wednesday's severe weather.

The proclamation allows state resources to be used to respond to and recover from the damage. The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance program for qualifying residents of the four counties.

The program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $40,320 for a family of three. Grants are available for car or home repairs, clothing or food replacement and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.

The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website at dhs.iowa.gov. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

Acting Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mark Schouten announced they will tour the damage Friday in Clermont and McGregor.

As storm cleanup got underway Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for the east central, northeast and southeast portions of Iowa, including Linn and Johnson counties.

Several rounds of thunderstorms are expected to push across Iowa on Friday and Saturday, mostly north of Interstate 80.

'There is the potential for these storms to be severe with damaging winds and large hail. Torrential rainfall is likely with several inches of rain possible in a short time,” the National Weather Service states in its outlook. 'Confidence is low on the timing and exact location of the thunderstorm complexes.”

Furthermore, the National Weather Service is forecasting hot and humid conditions through Saturday. The hottest temperatures are expected south of Highway 30.

Temperatures are expected to push well into the 90s with the heat index reaching between 105 and 110 each afternoon.