(The Center Square) ­– Local governments and nonprofit organizations can now get extra state help for severe weather incidents this year, including damage that happened more than six months ago.

Gov. Mike DeWine authorized using the State Disaster Relief Program to help 12 counties impacted by severe storms and flooding over the past six months. All but two are in southern Ohio near the Ohio River.

Jackson County was hit by a severe winter storm in mid-February that started as rain and changed to snow, causing power outages and flooding.

The storm dumped nearly 2 inches of rain that caused flooding before temperatures dropped, leading to 3-4 inches of snowfall.

From March 30 to April 10, Athens, Clermont, Hamilton, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Scioto, Shelby and Washington counties were hit by several severe storms that produced heavy rain and at least four tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service.

Tens of thousands of people lost power, and there were several reports of property damage throughout the region.

Finally, on July 26-28, Fairfield County in south central Ohio experienced severe flash flooding after nearly 7 inches of rain fell in a 48-hour period.

The State Disaster Relief Program is a reimbursement program used when storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance but do meet state program requirements.

This program is designed to give state assistance to local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations for costs associated with certain damage repairs, debris removal and emergency protective measures.