As people pick-up the pieces of their homes following Sunday’s tornadoes, City officials are assessing the damage across San Antonio as a fifth tornado is confirmed to have touched down in the area. Three touched down inside Bexar County. A fourth in Comal County near Garden Ridge, and fifth in Guadalupe County south of Seguin. Hundreds still remain without power.
The City of San Antonio has created several avenues to help resident’s recover from the destruction.
San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor has asked Texas Governor Greg Abbott to declare the area a disaster zone and issue certain directives.
“Those directives include individual assistance in the form of grants and small business loans that can be used in the replacement of uninsured costs and assistance with conducting a more detailed damage assessment in the community,” the mayor said
The city has marked three zipcodes with over 4000 homes impacted by the storm. One-hundred homes were significantly damaged. The cost of the damage may not be available for several weeks. There are about 700 CPS Energy customers still without power.. CPS Chief Customer Engagement officer Felicia Etheridge says attention is being given to the hardest hit areas.
“In some instances we’re still out there assessing so we know exactly what needs to be done. And in other instances we are replacing and repairing where we go. Whether it be installing new poles, new transformers, new meters, new wires, so it’s an all in effort.”
The utility will focus on residents living on Exeter, Tulie, and Olmos roads today. It’s expected these homes will have power by midnight tonight. Solid waste trucks are picking up debris from homes throughout the city.
Residents are encouraged to place debris on the curb of their homes in two separate piles, one for trees and another for damaged property. The city is in need of volunteers to help residents board up damaged windows and clear yards across San Antonio. Those able to help are encouraged to call 311 to register.
