UPDATE:
-Rain continues, Roadway has a foot more of rain since AM photo, Flash Flood Warning Issued
-Request for lay storm chasers to avoid the area
-TCEC Community Relations Coordinator Leslie Kraich named.
-Phone number to report damages is 580-338-7055, Sheriffs Dept at 580-338-4000 & 911 listed for emergencies.
-Fires also reported last night
If you have used the Texas County Emergency management Facebook post (www.fb.com/texascountyem ) on your social media it is already updated.
For print or on air Please use this:
For immediate release:
UPDATED: 1:00 p.m.
Texas County Declared Disaster Area:
Four Tornadoes Confirmed, Flooding of Highways Leads to Closures of Hwy 64/412 and Hwy 95, Power Remains Out in Some Areas, Rain Continues, Flash Flood Warning Issued for Sat.
Texas County is now an official disaster area after the severe thunderstorm which included four tornadoes and hours of rain has left two highways closed and residents without power.
More rain and possible severe thunderstorms with large hail are forecasted again today.
Texas County Emergency Management Director Harold Tyson is reporting that Highway 64/412 and Highway 95 are flooded over and closed at this time to all traffic.
"We are declaring a disaster in Texas County at this time and trying to assess all the damages," he said. "The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Warning and more rain is coming."
Power is still out in some areas of Texas County and TCEC crews reported several poles damaged as a result of last night's storm.
"TCEC lost three transmission poles and six distribution poles," TCEC Community Relations Coordinator said, adding that crews worked through the night and some communities' power has been restored, but the flooded roadways have prevented a full restoration of power at this time. "A crew is currently working at the Doolin Substation area, west of Four Corners."
The NWS is forecasting more severe thunderstorms today, with a concentration on the eastern side of Texas County, and the Panhandles. There is a chance for hail up to the size of hens eggs.
The Guymon Fire Department has taken the FEMA Incident Command Center to the area and emergency responders are working together to assist the area.
Stay tuned to Weather radios, the National Weather Service-Amarillo, and be weather away through this coming storm.
To report damages to Texas County Emergency Management call 580-338-7055.
