President Barack Obama signed a major disaster declaration for New York and ordered federal aid to help Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island recover from the severe damage caused by the storm of September 16, 2010, the White House announced Thursday.

The declaration means New York state, city and qualifying nonprofit groups can get federal money to help clean up and repair from the storm, which unleashed two tornadoes and a macroburst on the city.

“This is certainly welcomed news for New York City and removes a tremendous financial burden,” Gov. David Paterson said. “The storm that spawned two tornadoes wreaked a path of devastation the likes of which New York City hasn’t seen in 25 years. I thank the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and our Congressional Delegation for ensuring New York receives the assistance it so desperately needs.”

The president’s declaration provides 75 percent reimbursement to the three boroughs for the costs of response, debris removal, and repairs to public property, the governor’s office said. Federal, state and local inspectors estimated damage and cleanup costs at more than $27 million.

However, the declaration does not free up money for individual business, property owners, and renters who may have suffered significant damage. Those New Yorkers will hopefully get reimbursed from their insurance policies. Governor Paterson said another declaration that would free up money for individuals could come later if FEMA re-evaluates the damage.

The September 16 storm tore a 14-mile-long path of destruction in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.

An EF-0 tornado touched down in Park Slope, Brooklyn. It had wind gusts of up to 80 mph and traveled about 2 miles northeast. This tornado was about 75 yards wide, according to the National Weather Service.

A few minutes later, a macrobrust hit Middle Village and Forest Hills, Queens, causing the most amount of damage of the storm. This macroburst was about 1-1/2 miles wide at the point of impact, had wind gusts of up to 125 mph, had a 5-mile cone of damage, and traveled about 8 miles, the Weather Service reported.

Then another tornado touched down 2-1/2 miles south of Flushing, Queens. This EF-1 tornado also traveled northeast for about 4 miles, lifted off the ground near Bayside, and moved out over water. The 100-yard wide tornado had wind gusts of up to 100 mph.

Straight-line winds from the same storm system caused significant damage to neighborhoods on Staten Island.

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(Source: MyFoxNY)