COLUMBUS, Wis. -- Federal Emergency Management Agency assessors traveled throughout the state on Thursday assessing the extent of the flooding damage in recent days just as another round of storms pummeled the area.

Thunderstorms continued pounding southern Wisconsin with heavy rain and strong winds on Thursday afternoon.

Before the afternoon storms, the team of FEMA workers inspected a bridge across the Crawfish River in Columbus. They also spoke with Columbus business owner Darrell Augustine. He has a screen printing business on the edge of the river. Augustine erected a three-foot-high wall of sandbags to save his business.

He said that was glad to see federal emergency officials, but wasn't sure if he'd need assistance.

The FEMA workers have to decide if the state qualifies for federal aid.

FEMA and Small Business Administration representatives plan to tour Columbia, Sauk, Vernon, Crawford and Milwaukee counties at Gov. Jim Doyle's request. It's a precursor to Doyle formally requesting a federal disaster declaration. This would help communities, businesses and homeowners to start applying for aid.

Doyle said that he's focused on getting residents the federal help that they need.

"I think there's no doubt that we meet all of the standards for a disaster. And then, we really want to make sure we are working out. Families and businesses and municipal businesses are working with FEMA to get the help we need," Doyle said.

FEMA officials will also be meeting with state and local officials during their tour.

Doyle has also been taking tours on his own to some of the hardest-hit areas. He got a call from President George W. Bush on Wednesday, and the president promised a quick response from FEMA.

Some initial damage estimates put the toll in Waukesha County so far at nearly $35 million. Officials said that Vernon County lost $5.5 million in soybeans, hay and corn alone. In Dane County, total damage estimates are expected to increase to more than $5.6 million.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.