Governor Hochul Requests Major Disaster Declaration to Secure Federal Assistance for Long Island Communities Impacted by September Nor’easter

Governor Kathy Hochul today requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump to support the recovery efforts of communities impacted by a nor'easter that produced coastal flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds across downstate regions on September 26 and 27, 2026. If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal recovery funding for Nassau and Suffolk Counties as they continue to recover from the storm.

"September's coastal storm was just the latest in a series of severe weather to impact downstate, and I thank our first responders and emergency management officials for their efforts to keep New Yorkers safe throughout the storm," Governor Hochul said. "I will always fight for every resource available to help our communities recover and rebuild following a storm, and that is why I'm requesting a Major Disaster Declaration to secure federal assistance for Nassau and Suffolk Counties."

A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to eligible local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Office of Disaster Recovery Programs works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the State and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration. FEMA and DHSES concluded the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) and FEMA validated the damages are above the State threshold for requesting Federal Assistance.

September's nor'easter produced gale force winds over 80 mph, causing major coastal flooding, downed trees and power lines, beach erosion and infrastructure damage, particularly on Long Island and in New York City. The coastal storm, which coincided with a full moon, produced more than three feet of flood inundation in several areas during multiple high tide cycles. The low-pressure system's slow movement across the area caused pounding waves to strip vulnerable shorelines of sand across Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens. Portions of Long Island's coast lost four feet or more of sand. Widespread rainfall of two to four inches, and in some locations over six inches, caused flash flooding in low-lying areas and exacerbated the coastal flooding and wind impacts. The severe weather brought down more than 1,150 trees and 580 large branches which took down utility poles and electric wires across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O'Leary said, "Governor Hochul's top priority is ensuring New York's communities have access to the resources they need to recover and rebuild from every disaster it faces. That is why our Division worked closely with our partners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to assess and quantify damage caused by September's nor'easter, which exceeded FEMA's qualifying threshold. This storm is the latest to impact this region and federal assistance will go far in supporting Long Island as it continues to recover."

Senator Charles Schumer said, "The September nor'easter impacted communities across Long Island and New York City, bringing coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds that damaged power lines, eroded beaches, and disrupted critical infrastructure. Governor Hochul's request for a Major Disaster Declaration would help ensure Nassau and Suffolk Counties are reimbursed for emergency measures taken to protect lives and property and have the resources needed to fully recover. I urge the President to expeditiously approve this request so FEMA can deliver the federal assistance necessary to repair critical infrastructure, strengthen our coastal communities, and make New York more resilient for future storms."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "The September nor'easter battered Long Island with strong winds and coastal flooding. I am grateful to all the state and local first responders and agencies who helped to keep New York families safe, and I will continue to fight for the federal support New York needs to recover. I urge President Trump to swiftly approve Governor Hochul's Major Disaster Declaration request."

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, "New Yorkers impacted by the September nor'easter deserve the full support of the federal government as they recover and rebuild. I stand with Governor Hochul to urge swift action from the current administration to provide families, businesses, and local communities with the resources and assistance they need. Timely federal support is critical to ensuring recovery efforts can move forward as quickly and effectively as possible to ensure impacted communities can get their lives and livelihoods back on track."

Representative George Latimer said, "As severe weather grows more frequent and destructive, federal funding is crucial for community recovery. Following September's major storms, a Major Disaster Declaration will deliver essential federal aid to impacted downstate counties. I remain committed to working with Governor Hochul and local first responders to ensure our neighbors get the resources they need to rebuild quickly and effectively."

Ahead of the storm, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for eight counties including Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Westchester and contiguous counties.

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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