thestatehousefile.com · Staff Report · September 8, 2026
A roundup of news as Indiana continues to recover from mid-August's devastating storms | Politics | thestatehousefile.com
# A roundup of news as Indiana continues to recover from mid-August's devastating storms
- Staff Report - Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 8, 2026 Updated 43 mins ago
Graphic by TheStatehouseFile.com.
State government continues to respond to the severe weather that began on Aug. 11 and included straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.
On Tuesday, Gov. Mike Braun visited the American Red Cross Indiana Region headquarters in Indianapolis to tour its Disaster Relief Operations Center and thank the volunteers and staff supporting Hoosiers affected by recent severe storms and flooding.
From a press release: " During the visit, Gov. Braun toured the facility and met with Red Cross volunteers and staff assisting communities across Indiana. ... "At Governor Braun’s direction, the state deployed every resource available to assist in this recovery. "In Northwest Indiana, 71 National Guardsmen and crews from the Department of Correction and Department of Natural Resources cleared more than 350 roadways. Gov. Braun has since activated $5,000 emergency relief grants for essentials, temporary housing grants through IHCDA to move families out of shelters, additional SNAP resources, and paid leave for impacted state employees. Hoosiers who need assistance can text IN211HELP to 898-211. "On Aug. 26, President Trump approved Gov. Braun’s request for a major disaster declaration, to date FEMA has distributed more than $38.5 million to Hoosiers. Both public and individual assistance has been approved. On Aug. 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $26 million in Emergency Relief funding to repair Indiana roads and bridges damaged in the storms.
"You can learn more about storm recovery resources for Hoosiers here."
Braun: "The impact of these storms and flooding have been felt deeply by Hoosiers across our state. I will continue to make every resource available to help Hoosier families and businesses rebuild. Today I want to thank these Red Cross volunteers who have worked around the clock to provide support for Hoosiers recovering from August’s severe weather and for the help they are continuing to provide.”
On Tuesday, Gov. Mike Braun extended the tax filing deadline for Hoosier families impacted by the August 2026 disaster.
From a press release: "Today, he announced the Internal Revenue Service and the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) are allowing thousands of affected individuals and businesses extra time to file various tax returns and make tax payments. ...
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun. Photo by TheStatehouseFile.com.
"Following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on Aug. 11, 2026, the IRS and DOR have granted an extension to individuals and households that reside or have a business in Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union, and Wayne Counties.
"Certain federal and state tax-filing deadlines falling between Aug. 11, 2026, and Feb. 1, 2027, will now have until Feb. 1, 2027, to file. The IRS is also granting the same extension on federal tax-payment deadlines.
"This new deadline includes individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2025 individual income tax return. However, tax payments related to those 2025 returns are not eligible for this new deadline because they were due on April 15, 2026.
"If any affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice that references an original due date within the postponement period, they should call the number on the notice to have the IRS or DOR abate the penalty."
Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton. Photo provided: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/legislators/legislator_jeffrey_thompson_529.
Braun: “These storms brought unprecedented devastation to our state and require an unparalleled level of cooperation between state and federal partners to bring relief. Extending these tax deadlines gives Hoosiers additional time to get back on their feet and focus on their family’s recovery before worrying about forms and fees.”
On Sept. 3, a press release announced that Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, had recently accompanied Gov. Mike Braun and other state and federal officials to assess storm recovery sites around Indiana following severe storms and historic flooding.
From a press release: "Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, traveled to Fayette, Hamilton and Lake counties to meet with local officials, emergency responders, volunteers and Hoosiers suffering property damage. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham, Indiana State Police Superintendent and Secretary of Public Safety Anthony Scott and members of Indiana's congressional delegation also attended."
Thompson: "It's difficult to convey just how much these communities have suffered from the storms. At the same time, it was heartening to see how so many Hoosiers and officials have come together to support them in their recovery. I appreciate how quickly FEMA and our state responded, and we will continue to assist however we can in this ongoing effort."
On Sept. 2, Gov. Mike Braun announced FEMA has approved more than $2.1 million to Hoosier families impacted by the August 2026 disaster.
From a press release: " FEMA financial assistance is continuing to be distributed on a rolling basis. To date, more than 25,000 Hoosiers have applied for FEMA’s individual assistance.
"The U.S. Small Business Administration has also made low interest disaster loans available for Indiana businesses, private nonprofit organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding beginning Aug. 11.
"The deadline to apply for FEMA’s individual assistance is Oct. 25, 2026. Hoosiers can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
"One-stop shops and mobile registration intake centers are open throughout the state for Hoosiers to apply for state and federal assistance programs and seek additional resources. For more information, visit the resource hub at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster, or call Indiana 211 (866-211-9966)."
Braun: “Thanks to President Trump, in coordination with our state and federal partners, financial aid is being delivered at a rapid pace to survivors of this disaster. Thousands of Hoosiers have been impacted, and my administration remains fully committed to ensuring survivors receive the support and resources they need throughout the recovery process.”
On Sept. 2, Gov. Mike Braun announced that multiple state and federal agencies would immediately begin partnering to host one‑stop shops in communities impacted by recent flooding events.
From a press release: "The one‑stop shops will bring representatives from participating agencies together to a single location to provide information on available resources and assist Hoosiers in navigating the process. Several services may be completed on site, helping residents get the support they need more efficiently.
"Federal assistance:
"FEMA: Individual Assistance application support
"U.S. Small Business Administration: Disaster loan information for individuals
"State assistance:
"Housing support: Temporary housing assistance
"Social services: Crisis counseling and mental health service referrals
"Insurance guidance: Help reviewing insurance policies and replacing documents
"Motor vehicle assistance: Support with registrations and licenses
"Public health resources: Vaccination records, vital records (birth and death certificates), tetanus shots and cleanup guidance
"State Disaster Relief Fund: Assistance with SDRF applications
"Available one-stop shop locations:
"Initial one‑stop shop locations will begin operating