Feb. 18—President Joe Biden on Tuesday declared a state of emergency exists in Oklahoma due to severe winter weather that has blanketed the state.

The declaration allows Oklahoma cities, counties and tribes to seek reimbursement for emergency expenses and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist the state.

FEMA will be able to coordinate disaster relief efforts in all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures will be provided at 75% federal funding, according to a White House news release.

Biden, a Democrat, approved Oklahoma’s emergency request the same day Gov. Kevin Stitt sought the disaster declaration for the entire state. On Wednesday, Stitt praised the president’s quick response.