Williamson County issues disaster declaration due to wintry weather
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas - Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell issued a disaster declaration due to the severe winter weather conditions.
The disaster declaration activates the recovery and rehabilitation aspects of the Williamson County Emergency Management Plan and allows the county to take all legal actions necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of county residents.
"The emergency exceeds the response and recovery capabilities that we had here in Williamson County," says Shantelle Brannon Deputy Director for Williamson County Emergency Management
As we continue to see below freezing temperatures through Wednesday night, emergency management crews have been hitting the roads clearing out any potential driving hazards.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- Travis County deputy pinned under 18-wheeler tire while assisting another driver, sheriff says
- Gov. Abbott provides update on Texas' winter storm response
- Icy roads in Central Texas result in several car crashes
"They are surveying the roads, surveying the power lines, surveying everything that they can to make sure that the roads are passable. They have also assisted with sanding operations at several hospitals in the area," says Brannon.
After Williamson County declared a local state of disaster, emergency management services shared a link with the Williamson County residents and businesses to help them report winter weather related damages.
"We have 22 residences and also businesses that have reported damage so far," says Brannon.
In the past two days emergency management has seen an uptick in calls.
"We have had eight calls since 6 p.m. Eight of those calls were about vehicle collisions. And we've also had a 90% increase over the last two days in calls relating to falls," says Brannon.
To view the declaration, click here.