The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied a request from Gov. Jay Nixon for a federal major disaster declaration for 18 Missouri counties.

FEMA also denied a request for neighboring Illinois, where seven people died and significant damage was reported in seven counties.

An outraged Illinois Senator Dick Durbin says he plans to appeal FEMA’s denial of disaster status for southern Illinois.

Senator Claire McCaskill is disappointed with the Missouri decision, but a senior spokesman says she is waiting to see if Governor Nixon will appeal. Spokesman John LaBombard says McCasill will continue working with folks on the ground and federal agencies to make sure Missouri has all necessary resources.

The Governor declared a state of emergency on Feb. 29, and requested the declaration for counties impacted by the tornadoes, hail, high winds and heavy rain on Feb. 28-29.

The severe weather caused three deaths, numerous injuries and widespread destruction.

“A major disaster declaration would have made additional assistance available to Missourians as they recover and move forward from this round of severe weather,” Gov. Nixon said. “I went to southern Missouri and saw the serious property damage to homes and businesses, and the places where Missourians lost their lives. While this decision is disappointing, we’ll continue at the state level to provide the critical resources, assets and personnel that are necessary to help these affected communities recover and rebuild.”

Gov. Nixon’s request was for the following counties: Adair, Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Cedar, Dallas, Daviess, Laclede, Linn, Madison, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, Stoddard, Stone and Taney.