Storm damages prompt governor to issue disaster declaration for Hidalgo County

Those who wish to report damage can do so using iSTAT at damage.tdem.texas.gov/

After the damage and power outages caused by the storm that hit the Rio Grande Valley nearly two weeks ago, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a disaster declaration Thursday to help those in Hidalgo County who were impacted by the damage, which was largely as a result of high winds.

The Valley experienced unexpected damages in the thunderstorm that began in the late hours of April 28 and well into early the following Saturday morning, leaving thousands of residents without power for two to three days.

Winds ranging from 70 to 80 miles per hour slammed the region and caused extensive damage in many Hidalgo County communities, including uprooted trees, collapsed structures, fallen power lines, and debris of all sorts scattered throughout city streets.

Officials across Hidalgo County cities, such as McAllen, Mission and Edinburg, warned residents to travel with caution as many street intersections experienced malfunctioning traffic lights and missing or damaged street signs.

Abbott’s declaration comes after Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez issued a disaster declaration locally on May 1.

“The State of Texas is ready to provide all available resources and support for Texans in Hidalgo County as they rebuild and recover from severe storm damage last month,” Abbott said in a news release.

The declaration will help those impacted by the storm to recover from property damage and assist as rebuilding continues.

Abbott is urging residents to report any storm damages to the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s iSTAT Damage Surveys, or the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool. This is for state and local officials to continue assessing damage and determine if the state qualifies for federal assistance.

According to the release, TDEM has requested joint disaster damage assessments with the U.S. Small Business Administration to help determine eligibility.

If the state is eligible for federal help the SBA will be able to provide low-interest loans through its disaster programs to eligible residents whose homes and businesses were damaged.

“I appreciate Governor Abbott’s quick response in making state aid available for local residents and businesses to recover from this storm,” Cortez said in a county news release Thursday.

Those who wish to report damage can do so using iSTAT at damage.tdem.texas.gov/.

Monitor staff writer Xavier Alvarez contributed to this report.

RELATED READING: