Dallas County Declares Local Disaster from Storms

Dallas County, Texas, officials have declared a local disaster following a tornado that damaged or destroyed about 300 homes and businesses.

County Judge Clay Jenkins has asked Gov. Rick Perry to authorize government disaster assistance from the April 3 storms in Lancaster. Perry toured some of the devastated areas on May 5.

Jenkins, who signed the declaration, estimates road and bridge damage to Dallas County will exceed $1 million.

Dallas-based Oncor on April 5 reported about 700 customers still without electricity as utility crews worked to restore power.

More than 320 American Airlines and American Eagle flights were canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Dozens of planes were still being inspected for possible storm damage.