After Tornados Devastate North Texas, Governor Greg Abbott Declares State of Disaster

While many of us in South Texas were enjoying a warm Christmas, our neighbors to the north suffered devastating weather.

A series of tornados impacted the Dallas-area this weekend, killing 11 people and causing large swaths of damage.

On Sunday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster in Collin, Dallas, Ellis and Rockwall counties. That number could grow, according to a press release.

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to those Texans who have been affected by this severe weather,” Abbott says in a press release. “Please be assured that Texas is doing everything it can to assist in the challenges our citizens are currently facing. I want to thank the first responders and local officials on the ground and strongly encourage all Texans to heed their warnings in the coming the days.”

The Red Cross is in those counties providing some relief to beleaguered storm victims.

“Making sure safe shelters are available is always the first priority for the American Red Cross after storms,” Anita Foster, Chief Communications Officer, Red Cross North Texas Region, says in a press release. “We will provide more services in the coming days such as distributing cleaning to help families begin to sift through their belongings and salvage what they can. Additionally, Red Cross shelter teams will continue to provide safe locations until they’re no longer needed.”

Texans can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.