WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — After storms and tornadoes ripped through Central Texas Monday, residents in Williamson County are being asked to report any damages to their property to help the area receive federal assistance.
During a press conference Tuesday, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell urged residents and business owners to report any damages, no matter how big or small, to help the county's chances of receiving federal aid.
"Maybe you're a resident and you would say, 'Judge, nothing significant happened, only my fence was destroyed.' Well, there's loss you're going to incur there," Gravell said. "...The more the damage dollars are that are compiled together, it helps us to potentially to qualify for federal funds and resources."
Those looking to report damages from the storm can do so at damage.tdem.texas.gov.
Williamson County residents in need of information or resources can find help at wilco.org. Round Rock residents can do so at roundrocktexas.gov.
U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-Round Rock) said each member of the Texas delegation has drafted and signed a bipartisan letter asking for federal assistance.
Gravell said the first tornado was confirmed to be on the ground for 24 miles and the second tornado traveled on the ground for 11 miles. More than 1,000 homes through Williamson County were damaged or completely destroyed, the county judge said. Maybe some 5,000 homes are still without power.
Multiple businesses reported damage and at least one was confirmed to have collapsed. Gravell said there is still no reported loss of life nor any critical patients as a result of the storms.
Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles said several mayors within the county said while they're appreciative of all the volunteer help, it's overwhelming at the moment.
"People with big hearts, there will be a time to volunteer, there will be a time to help and that may not be in the next 24 hours," Boles said. "That may be in two days, that may be in a week. So keep your passion fresh, there will be a time where we need all of the volunteers but it may not be today."
Watch the full update from officials here:
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