Federal Assistance Approved For Oklahoma Counties Damaged By May's Severe Weather

The White House said it is providing federal assistance to seven Oklahoma counties ravaged by heavy rain and tornadoes last month.

The counties -- Adair, Cherokee, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Tulsa -- were hit hard by the storms over a stretch of seven days (May 2-8). The announcement means individuals can apply for assistance with any home repairs or temporary housing related to the storms.

Individuals and small businesses in these counties can also apply for low-interest loans to replace damaged or destroyed property as well as disaster expenses not catered to by other programs.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security reported 594 homes were damaged by the storms, including 20 of them that were completely destroyed. The department said 26 people suffered injuries related to the severe weather.

The White House said individuals and business owners can call 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or visit diasterassistance.gov for more information.