Posted 5:14 pm Sunday, September 14, 2008
East Texas Faces Damage From Winds, Rain
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
Several homes were destroyed and several more heavily damaged as trees fell across the area, including one that injured a person in a car.
Staff Writer
Several homes were destroyed and several more heavily damaged as trees fell across the area, including one that injured a person in a car.
The remains of Hurricane Ike, downgraded to a tropical storm, raced north through East Texas on Saturday, felling trees, downing power lines and leaving thousands in the dark, blocking roadways and driving a steady rainfall over the region.
Late Saturday as the calls were still being answered for assistance, Smith County Fire Marshal Jim Seaton said crews were tired, but everyone was working together with a cooperative spirit.
"I think we have done pretty good and there is always room for improvement, but overall everything has gone about as good as it could," he said.
Seaton said at least 10 homes were damaged, with two being destroyed and one commercial building destroyed in Troup. He did not have any immediate information on the person injured, but said it was the only injury that he was aware of in Smith County.
A large metal structure at HB Barry Building Supply in Troup was blown apart, sending parts of the building into the street, closing Duvall and taking out a major power line in the city.
Susan Guthrie, Tyler's director of communications, said city officials are pleased at how the emergency plan was executed and that there were no serious injuries. She did ask for patience as city crews worked to clear roadways of debris.
"We are mobilizing city crews to get the debris out of the streets to allow through traffic. We may push it over to the side because it will probably take a few days to get it all picked up," she said. "We've executed a plan and are very happy we have little or no injuries."
Guthrie added there were two house fires possibly caused by the storm, but she was unaware of the number of homes damaged by falling trees.
On Lake Palestine, the wind drove waves of water toward the boathouses against the shore. Boats bobbed up against the docks and white foam sprayed into the air.
Some roadways were littered with debris and emergency crews were in every part of the county answering calls.
"I think we have done a great job. We have extra personnel out doing everything we can to respond quickly and help where needed. I think we are doing what we are doing as well as we can in a situation such as this," Smith County Judge Joel Baker said Saturday evening.
Baker reported at 6:30 p.m. Saturday that the Smith County Emergency Operations Center had already received 70 reports of fallen trees blocking or partially obstructing roadways. Half of those had been cleared by the time a second round of rain bands began to move through the area. Baker said all county road crews were on duty, assisted by the Texas Department of Transportation, volunteer fire departments and the Smith County Sheriff's office. Baker said that, in addition to downed trees, the EOC had fielded 45 reports of downed power lines, which were being cleared by power company personnel.
Baker said 848 evacuees were being housed in county shelters and 61 animals owned by evacuees were being kept at local kennels. "We are experiencing power outages, but we do have backup generators at our shelter facilities," he said.
Six county roads were closed and barricaded for a time by either high water or downed trees and power lines.
In Overton, one resident said a majority of the streets were blocked with trees and the entire town was without power.
"We might be without power here for quite some time," the resident said.
Across the region, authorities reported there were homes damaged by falling trees and entire communities out of power.
Gov. Rick Perry said residents need to sit tight and know that help is on the way.
"As the storm recedes from the coast, we are focusing our efforts on search and recovery. If Ike is headed your way, keep your head down. If you are still in the affected areas, we are headed your way with help," said Perry. "If you evacuated, please remain where you are until local officials determine that it is safe to return."
City and county officials said that, although they believe the damage was far less than what they had feared. They would have to make a full damage assessment in the next few days.
