Damages are extensive, county judge issues Declaration of Disaster
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High winds wreaked havoc in Hardin County. -
Some of the damage done in Saturday's storm.
A heavy rain storm accompanied by winds of at least 70 miles an hour put thousands without power and caused extensive damage to property throughout most of Hardin County Saturday night.
At one point between 8 p.m. and midnight Saturday, Entergy reported that 42,000 customers were without power. As late as Monday, more than 16,000 Entergy residential and business customers were still without power.
Falling limbs and trees fell on power lines throughout the county, leaving homes both in cities and the country without power.
While no lights and no television to watch was a major inconvenience, the biggest problem for most was that no air conditioning was available. Many sat outside in a shade Sunday afternoon while others went to homes of friends or relatives who either had not lost power or it had been restored.
This resulted in numerous churches in the area cancelling morning worship services, and some businesses which were usually open on Sunday were closed.
Only hours after the storm, Hardin County Judge issued a Declaration of Disaster on Sunday afternoon.
The declaration states:
WHEREAS, on the 10th day of June, 2023, Hardin County, Texas was in imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from severe weather conditions countywide created by torrential rainfalls, severe thunderstorms, high speed winds, and flash flooding. Populated areas of Hardin County have been affected by flood, and major infrastructure damage has been sustained, preventing access to or safe passage on many roadways, thus creating a public safety hazard.
WHEREAS, the Hardin County Judge has determined that extraordinary measures but be taken to protect life, as well as protect or rehabilitate property, and alleviate the suffering of people.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE HARDIN COUNTY JUDGE that a local state of disaster is hereby declared to Hardin County, Texas, pursuant to Section 418(a) of the Texas Government Code.