(KNZA)--Governor Laura Kelly has sent a presidential disaster declaration request to President Joe Biden due to the damage from the high wind storm Kansas experienced on Dec. 15, 2021.

In the request, Kelly said the storm generated wind gusts between 60 and 100 mph, causing widespread damage across Kansas. The high winds and dry conditions also led to wildfires that burned more than 160,000 acres and resulted in the deaths of two people.

Joint preliminary damage estimates placed the total damages for all involved counties in excess of $15 million. Kelly’s request is for federal funding to help restore damaged public utilities, roads and bridges.

Among counties included in the initial request are Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha.

If declared by the president, additional counties may be added if the damages can meet or exceed the county’s public assistance threshold.