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Gov. Abbott requesting Presidential Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by severe weather, tornadoes

"Through a Presidential Disaster Declaration, we will bolster recovery efforts for Texans in Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, and Orange counties."

BEAUMONT, Texas — As some Southeast Texas continue to assess the damage that severe storms and damage brought to the area in late January, Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to get federal assistance to those affected.

(Editor's note: The above video is from a January 25, 2023 newscast showing damage to the area.)

Gov. Abbott sent a letter to President Joe Biden to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Southeast Texas counties that were impacted by severe storms and tornadoes from January 23, 2023, to January 25, 2023, according to a release from the governor's office. Counties included in the request were Harris, Jefferson, Liberty and Orange counties.

"To better help our fellow Texans and local communities recover and move forward from the widespread damage of last month's severe weather and tornadoes, I am requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration," Gov. Abbott said.

Related: Weather Service confirms EF-1 tornado touched down near Bridge City, EF-2 touched down near Orangefield

Multiple Southeast Texas counties and other counties across the state were under tornado watches and warnings on January 24, 2023. As the line of storms made their way across the state, thousands were left without power.

As confirmed tornadoes hit the ground, residents were encouraged to take cover. 

Video from Port Arthur showed torrential downpours and strong winds affecting the area. A 12News crew saw debris in the streets and stop signs ripped from the ground. 

Officials with the National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 and an EF-2 tornado touched down in Orange County. The wind speeds in the EF-1 tornado near Bridge City were estimated to be 100 mph. The tornado near Orangefield had wind speeds of 120 mph. 

 A 12News crew in the area saw the aftermath which included downed power lines, downed signs and a tipped over an 18-wheeler on Highway 62 and Interstate 10 in Orange. Multiple homes were destroyed. 

"The magnitude of damage caused by these storms in Southeast Texas requires robust, comprehensive action by all levels of government to help Texans recover,” Gov. Abbot said. "Through a Presidential Disaster Declaration, we will bolster recovery efforts for Texans in Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, and Orange counties."

Related: 'It was so traumatic' | Southeast Texans assessing the damage left by severe weather, tornadoes Tuesday

The request is in response to an analysis of damage sustained in the counties and follows a review of disaster damage information self-reported by Texans through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool surveys.

On January 26, 2023, the Texas governor issued a disaster declaration for Southeast Texas communities that suffered damage to homes and businesses, according to the release. He updated the declaration four days later to include other counties that were also affected.

Starting January 23, 2023, and continuing throughout the severe weather event, the Texas Division of Emergency Management sent state emergency response personnel to provide support to area jurisdictions and conduct a preliminary damage assessment at the governor’s direction.

If the governor's request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration is granted, those living in the affected counties would be eligible for the following federal resources: 

  • Individual Assistance
    • including the Individuals and Households Programs (IA)
  • Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
  • Crisis Counseling
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance
  • Disaster Legal Assistance
  • Disaster Case Management
  • Direct Federal Assistance.

Gov. Abbott is also asking for access to the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program for physical and economic loss for all affected counties. If that request is approved, it would authorize additional Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program resources across the state.

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