Governor Abbott provides Texas severe weather and tornado relief update in Valley View | Office of the Texas Governor

May 26, 2024 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on the state's ongoing relief efforts for Texans and North Texas communities impacted by severe weather and tornadoes at a press conference following a meeting with state and local officials in Valley View. Governor Abbott also signed the state's severe weather disaster declaration, adding Denton, Montague, Cooke and Collin counties, bringing the total number of counties affected by the disaster declaration to 106.

“Texans across the state are saddened by the tragic loss of seven lives from severe storms in North Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “We estimate nearly 100 people were injured, more than 200 homes or buildings were destroyed, and more than 220 structures were damaged. As more estimates become available, these numbers may rise. It has been a harrowing week of lives lost, property destroyed, and hopes and dreams dashed for those who owned homes or small businesses, but in true Texas fashion, Texans are responding to this great tragedy with love, caring, and generosity. We have seen heroism from first responders, volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, and people who may never be known. Amid the rubble that surrounds us here today, I am moved by the sight of the American flag still fluttering in the wind. I am proud of our country and our state for standing together in difficult times like these. The State of Texas will continue to advocate and support the affected communities to ensure they can rebuild and recover.”

During the press conference, Governor Abbott asked Texans across the state to pray for the safety and speedy recovery of North Texas communities. The Governor also provided a brief overview of the work state agencies are doing to help the region rebuild. This includes conducting final search and rescue missions, providing aid, support and supplies to people in need of immediate assistance, assisting with debris removal and working with local and state partners to provide financial assistance to affected Texans. Additionally, Governor Abbott urged Texans whose homes or buildings were damaged to contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to check if they are covered and to report damage at damage.tdem.texas.gov. These self-submitted surveys help officials connect affected Texans with rebuilding resources and determine if they are eligible for federal disaster assistance.

In addition to the Governor, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, Representative David Spiller, Representative Lynn Stucky, Cooke County Judge John Roane, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Deputy Chief Kevin Starbuck, and other state and local officials participated in the press conference.

Governor Abbott continues to take actions to deploy all available resources to assist local communities in managing the impacts of severe weather, including:

• Preparing state emergency resources on April 25 in response to wildfire and severe weather threats.
• On April 30, a state of disaster will be declared for counties affected by recent storms, and additional state emergency resources will be deployed to prevent severe weather and flooding. The governor amended his disaster declaration on May 2, updated it further on May 7, amended it again on May 15, and added additional counties on May 20.
• Increase the readiness of the State Emergency Operations Center to assist local agencies in processing requests for state assistance.
• A meeting will be held on May 6 with local and state officials from the affected areas and an update will be provided on the state's comprehensive relief efforts to support local communities.
• Call for a presidential disaster declaration on May 15 for Texas communities affected by severe storms.
• Securing partial approval of a Presidential disaster declaration on May 17 for severe weather-affected areas of the state.
• Request that additional counties be added to the May 19 Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas communities affected by severe storms.
• Provide an update on the state's response and recovery efforts in affected communities.