And bingo, IRS Publication 2194, Disaster Resource Guide has the answer. On Page 2 it says: "if you paid taxes in the year immediately preceding the disaster, you can elect to deduct your loss on a Form 1040x (Amended IS Individual Tax Return) for the prior year, instead of waiting to file your current year return. This will allow you to receive a refund of some or all the taxes paid on your prior year return."
I knew there has to be a way...
