Hidalgo County Judge issues disaster declaration in the wake of weekend storms

After weekend storms caused widespread damage and power outages in the region, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez declared a disaster on Monday and appealed to Governor Greg Abbott for state emergency assistance.

The disaster declaration is a necessary step to request help from state and federal agencies to cope with the storm’s impact, which included 80 mph winds that destroyed several buildings and left many residents without electricity in Hidalgo County.

“This incident is so severe and overwhelming that the local jurisdiction cannot handle it effectively,” Cortez wrote to Abbott. “I urge you to declare a state of emergency for Texas and issue the appropriate directives to address the crisis.”

The disaster declaration took effect immediately and will last for seven days unless the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court votes to extend it.