Tornadoes in Texas: Abbott meets with local officials, discusses response
ELGIN, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott received a briefing and held a press conference with local officials to talk about the state's response to the severe weather that hit the state on March 21.
Ten tornadoes were confirmed in North Texas and multiple communities in Central Texas were also hit by the storms.
Governor Abbott reaffirmed the State of Texas’ commitment to ensuring communities affected by these tornadoes have the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild.
The Governor also thanked local officials in Sherman and Elgin, first responders, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for putting the safety of fellow Texans before their own and helping their communities over the course of the storms.
Elgin was one of the cities where residents suffered significant damage, with at least 65 homes damaged or destroyed.
Elgin was also where a red truck nearly being carried away by a tornado was caught on video. The video was posted by storm chaser Brian Emfinger.
That twister was just east of downtown Elgin and it is believed much of the debris spinning in the tornado came from a mobile home community near HWY 290 and HWY 95.
"The spirit of resiliency in the Lone Star State shines bright as Texans continue to come together to support one another in the aftermath of these tornadoes," said Governor Abbott. "Thank you to all first responders and Texas DPS officers who answered the call Monday night and continue to work tirelessly to help the communities of Sherman and Elgin navigate response and recovery efforts. I ask Texans join Cecilia and me in praying for the victims recovering in the hospital in Grayson County, including the loved ones of Viranda Rodgers who lost her life as a result of the tornado. There is no force of nature more powerful than Texans helping Texans, and together we will rebuild our state stronger than before."
During his visit to Elgin, Abbott mentioned the state's collaboration with Elgin and Bastrop County to clean up debris in the community. Bastrop County residents may also contact the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management hotline (512-303-4300) to receive disaster relief assistance.
The Governor issued a disaster declaration for 16 counties impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes which will help jumpstart rebuilding efforts. Bastrop County is included in this declaration.
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MORE HEADLINES:
Drone video shows damage left behind from tornadoes in Round Rock
Video shows red truck driving through tornado in central Texas
Video captures tornado ripping through Texas Walmart parking lot
Tornado destroys homes in Granger community, donations needed
Central Texas tornadoes: Organizations offer assistance, how you can help
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