Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has asked for a presidential disaster declaration for Bradley, Greene, Hamilton and Washington counties, according to a news release.
If granted, the request will allow those counties access to a variety of federal assistance in cleanup and recovery from Wednesday's devastating storms and tornadoes.
More than half the 34 deaths reported from the storm came in Bradley and Hamilton counties, which had nine each. Damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure was severe.
Other counties are expected to be added to the request as damage assessments are completed, Haslam said in the news release.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in this emergency, and I commend the first responders who have spent many days engaged in search and rescue operations to save lives," Haslam said. "I am confident the federal government will expedite our major disaster request so we can get to the work of helping people rebuild their lives as quickly as possible."