Courtesy WFAA
VAN, Texas -- Officials said Wednesday that the EF-3 tornado which ripped through Van Zandt County over the weekend, killing two people, caused about $40 million in damages.
The tornado hit 515 structures -- 212 of those being homes. About 90 houses were destroyed, according to Fire Marshal Chuck Allen.
During a press conference Wednesday morning he also said officials are working to move people in shelters to temporary housing by Friday. He added that lost pets should be taken to High Point Stables in Tyler.
Volunteers should check in with the Methodist Church in Van. Allen added that they must show an ID to be placed on a team.
The superintendent of the Van School District also spoke Wednesday, saying TEA waivers have been approved to dismiss Pre-K through third grade students for the remainder of the year. He also said a waiver has been approved to postpone students retaking the STAAR test on Tuesday.
Van ISD athletic events are to go on as scheduled, he said.
The EF-3 tornado's path was nearly 10 miles long and 700 yards wide. A retired Garland police officer and his wife were killed. Dozens of others were injured.
