As of the morning of March 28, Williamson County is aware of 1,122 structures that were damaged or destroyed as result of the storm, Public Affairs Manager Connie Odom said in an email. This includes homes and businesses in both cities—such as Round Rock, Granger and Jarrell—and unincorporated areas of the county, Odom said.
Additionally, Michael Shoe, Williamson County emergency management director, said within the city of Round Rock, $34 million in damages has been reported.
Throughout the remainder of this week, Shoe said officials will continue to sweep through the areas affected by the tornadoes to conduct assessments that will be used for additional damage reports.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will also be in the county March 30 to assess damage. Officials said the county’s priority is making sure all damage is reported correctly so the county can see if it will qualify for federal aid.
Property owners are encouraged to report the damage sustained to their property at https://damage.tdem.texas.gov.
No deaths or serious injuries were reported as a result of the tornadoes.
Gravell said the National Weather Service identified the Round Rock-Granger tornado as an EF-2 with winds between 111-135 miles per hour, and the tornado in Jarrell as an EF-1 with winds 86-110 mph.
“I know it's easy [to say], ‘Oh well, we had no fatalities,’ but ... businesses are destroyed; homes are gone,” Shoe said. “Look at the positive and celebrate that. We’ve been unbelievably fortunate.”
Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said several organizations are working to stand up relief funds, including the Williamson County Farm Bureau and the Hutto Chamber of Commerce.
A multiagency resource center will also be open at the Williamson County Expo Center at 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor. Hosted by the Austin Disaster Relief Network, American Red Cross and other organizations, the center will provide resources, such as food and clothing and support for documenting damage, animal assistance, debris removal, financial assistance, housing support and mental health services, according to a press release.
Williamson County officials said the number of structures damaged and the cost of those damages will be continually updated throughout the week.
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
