Officials, Residents Reporting Damage In Wake Of Storm

In the wake of last night’s severe storms, residents and officials have reported damage and destruction of personal and public property throughout Hays, Williamson and Travis Counties.

The National Weather Service said a survey team will be visiting Hays and Travis counties Monday morning to determine whether damage to homes and property were caused by a tornado or high winds.

First responders in Williamson county received a 911 call around 12:40 a.m. from two individuals trapped in a mobile home. There are also reports of a train being blown off the tracks along State Highway 79 between Thrall and Thorndale.

Initial reports from county emergency services officials indicate approximately 20 homes suffered damage.

Power outages have ACC Riverside and Round Rock campuses closed today, Feb. 20. However, no other schools have reported delays or closures.

According to Austin power companies, power outages were not extensive.

• Austin Energy has 6,900 customers without power.
• The Pedernales Co-Op has more than 4,000 customers without power.
• Bluebonnet Electric had nearly 5,000 around 5 a.m.

A tweet from @TornadoTrackers reported severe wind damage south of Kyle near County Road 140 and I-35. A kyle resident, who lives on Dacy Lane, reported the storm destroyed their shed, and power lines were down in the area.

Residents have been asked to document storm damage and report it via email to ReportHaysStormDamage@co.hays.tx.us. Residents are asked to include location, description and any pictures.

The information will be used to determine severity and path of the storm. Officials are only gathering information; residents will have to report damages for insurance and financial purposes directly to their insurance companies.

Lightning strikes caused at least one house fire in southeast Austin. Firefighters reported the fire was heavy when they arrived, but everyone was about to get out safely.