State and local agencies and nonprofits respond to storm damage in North Texas

NORTH TEXAS – Governor Greg Abbott and state and local authorities are responding to the storms that left at least seven people dead in North Texas Saturday night.

On Sunday evening, Abbott will hold a press conference in Valley View about the state's ongoing severe weather and tornado response. He will be joined by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, State Representative David Spiller, Cooke County Judge John Roane, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington, Texas Division of Emergency Management Deputy Chief Kevin Starbuck and other state and local officials.

Collin County declared a state of emergency in response to the storm damage

An unconfirmed tornado hit Collin County on Saturday, damaging homes and downing power lines, according to Collin County Emergency Management. Several homes were leveled in Celina and the surrounding area. So far, there are a few injuries and no deaths.

“I am heartbroken by the reports of the devastation our friends and neighbors in Collin County endured last night,” said Collin County Judge Chris Hill. “But most of all, we are eternally grateful that there were no fatalities.”

Celina Fire Department immediately began assisting residents and searched every home. One family was trapped in their home and was rescued by neighbors during the night.

Due to the destruction in Celina and the surrounding area, 15,000 households were without power. Power has been restored to all households except for about 2,000 residents.

Hill said he asked for all available resources to be used to help residents whose homes were destroyed.

“Our teams from Collin County, Celina and partner agencies worked through the night and will continue to work throughout the day to clear debris from the streets and assess damage to homes.

Residents in urgent need of supplies and resources can contact GraceBridge, a nonprofit organization supporting Celina families.

Salvation Army disaster relief workers are deployed in several areas affected by the storm, including Lake Ray Roberts Marina, Celina and Valley View. Each unit is prepared to deliver essential items such as food, water and basic amenities directly to first responders and those in need in the devastated areas.

The Salvation Army of North Texas, in collaboration with The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service (EDS) team, has also mobilized three mobile kitchens from Lewisville, Fort Worth and Sherman, as well as a rapid response unit from Irving, to provide vital support to affected communities.

“In times of crisis, The Salvation Army stands ready to assist and support our communities,” said Major Dwayne Durham, Salvation Army Director of Operations. “Our mobile kitchens are equipped to provide not only food, but emotional and spiritual care to help survivors rebuild their lives. We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors in Denton, Collin and Cooke Counties during this rebuilding process. No matter what is needed, The Salvation Army is ready to help.”

The American Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter at the First Baptist Church in Valley View, where residents can find snacks, water, disaster relief and other resources.