OTTUMWA – A Disaster Assistance Center is now open in Ottumwa after Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Wapello County this week.

The disaster proclamation was issued in response to severe weather that occurred in the area last Wednesday. Ottumwa residents reported seeing hailstones that were close to baseball-sized and resulting widespread hail damage.

The Disaster Assistance Center will have representatives from Iowa’s Disaster Case Advocacy Program, which addresses serious needs regarding disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program and it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation.

Officials say that assistance is not guaranteed, but case managers will help connect those in need with resources they qualify for.

The Disaster Assistance Center will remain open today and tomorrow from 11am to 7pm at the REMAX Training Center at 2431 Northgate.