BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is asking its federal counterpart for more time to assess damage form early-winter floods that struck nearly two dozen counties.

The Belleville News-Democrat ( bit.ly/1V4hHcw ) reports that the state agency is seeking to extend the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Friday deadline for damage assessments until March 14.

Spokeswoman Patti Thompson says IEMA needs more time to review local damage reports.

FEMA workers came to Illinois in late January to work with the U.S. Small Business Administration and county emergency management agencies to document the extent of damage to homes and businesses in central and southern Illinois.

Their findings will help the state determine whether to seek federal financial assistance.