After surveying the Round Rock and Granger areas most heavily affected by the March 21 tornadoes, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said he believes there are about 1,000 homes that have been damaged or completely destroyed.

“Even though the sheer number of homes that have been damaged and the lives of the people that have been displaced, I would simply say this and remind you again, there has been no reported loss of life,” Gravell said in a March 22 news conference.

U.S. Congress Member John Carter said he is working to draft a letter that every member of the Texas delegation will sign asking for federal assistance.

Gravell encouraged residents to document any and all damage sustained to their homes and businesses at https://damage.tdem.texas.gov, which begins the process of bringing in aid.

“The more damage dollars that are compiled together, it helps us to potentially qualify for federal funds and resources,” Gravell said.

Elected officials also spoke to the community’s outpouring of support and eagerness to volunteer. However, Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said in speaking to local mayors the time to chip in may not be immediate.

“There will be a time to volunteer, and there’ll be a time to help. That may not be in the next 24 hours. That may be in two days, that may be in a week,” Boles said. “So keep your passion fresh.”

As many as 5,000 residents may still be without power, Gravell said. He added that responders are working their way through the county to perform inspections and help people return to their homes or business, but recovery efforts will take some time.

“[There are] a lot of heroes out there in terms of our communities helping neighbors. It is just unreal to see the number of folks who are wanting to jump in and volunteer right now,” State Rep. Terry Wilson said. “I think we are going to be absolutely amazed by the sheer number of homes that have been wrecked.”

Gravell said additional resources related to the storm can be found online at www.roundrocktexas.gov and www.wilco.org.