WASHINGTON -- Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday sought federal disaster aid for the 17 New Jersey counties hit by last month's winter storm.

Christie asked President Barack Obama for a disaster declaration, which would make the state eligible for federal funds to cover costs incurred in responding to the storm.

The storm brought up to 30 inches of snow, plus high winds and flooding, and cut power to around 270,000 homes. Christie said the counties in question suffered around $82.6 million in damages.

Christie cut short a presidential campaign trip to New Hampshire to return to New Jersey but quickly went back to the first primary state once the storm passed.

"This incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected county and local governments, and that federal assistance is necessary," Christie said in his announcement.

High tides caused coastal flooding in the southern part of the state, contributing to beach erosion and damaging dunes.

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May), who asked Christie to request disaster aid as soon as the storm ended, praised the governor's action.

"I truly appreciate the governor taking the action necessary to reduce the financial burden on our communities," Van Drew said. "We hope the federal government acts swiftly to approve a disaster declaration."

Christie said he was seeking a disaster declaration for Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

He also sought federal funds to help cover the costs of removing and dumping the snow and salting and sanding roads in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook