Thousands are still without power and displaced from their homes, while emergency personnel and lineworkers continue to work around the clock to pick up the pieces after severe storms hammered East Texas.
As of 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, more than 19,000 homes and businesses were still impacted by power outages in Smith County. People living in smaller surrounding counties were also still affected by outages, but power providers said they are working as diligently as they can while keeping safety as the top priority.
Thousands of additional personnel from states as far as North Carolina were in Tyler on Wednesday assisting local crews in restoring power.
Southern Utilities Company customers in Smith and Cherokee counties are still under a boil water notice, which was issued Tuesday afternoon and in effect until further notice. This notice applies only to Southern Utilities customers in these two counties, which is about 60,000 people, according to the county. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or other consumption. It should be brought to a rigorous boil and boiled for two minutes.
Bottled water is available for residents affected by the storm at various places, including two emergency resource centers that were established Wednesday.
Opened by the Smith County Emergency Operations Center, two POD (Point of Distribution) locations were activated in Chapel Hill and in Lindale.
Smith County residents who are suffering from power outages and/or property damage can go to First Baptist Church, located at 103 E. Van Street in Lindale for resources.
The other POD is at Chapel Hill High School, located at 13172 Texas Highway 64 East, Tyler.
Ice, water and tarps were available at the aid centers, and officials expected MREs (meals, ready-to-eat) would be avaialble later Wednesday, according to Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore,
The Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Military Department are running the sites. They will both be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the need decreases.
Over 20,000 were still without internet, too. To help residents get connected, Optimum set up its emergency response WiFi trailer in the downtown Tyler square (102 N College Ave.) for local residents who need access to internet.
“This trailer will provide a 1G wireless internet connection for anyone who needs access. It will remain in place until the city is fully operational again,” the City of Tyler said.
Additionally, the company has opened its WiFi access for local residents in the following Optimum facilities in Tyler: 322 N Glenwood Blvd. and 1820 S SW Loop 323.
An overnight shelter is also available in Bullard for local people displaced by the storms. Bullard Intermediate School, located at 218 School House Road, is open for those who need a place to go.
Red Cross is running the facility and Smith County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is assisting, in coordination with Bullard ISD.
If you are seeking shelter or need assistance, call 1-800-REDCROSS and choose Option 4 for assistance.
There are also cooling and charging centers available in the city of Tyler, including:
Tyler Public Library(201 S. College Ave.), open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tyler Senior Center (1915 Garden Valley Rd.), open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Glass Recreation Center (501 W 32nd St.), open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Local churches are also stepping in to help, including Green Acres Baptist Church.
The church has set up a free shower and laundry trailer across from their student center on 1505 Troup Hwy in Tyler. Residents who have been affected by widespread power outages can take a warm shower while they use the trailers to wash and dry a load of clothes. The unit will be open Thursday from 7 to 10 a.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m.
Green Acres Baptist Church also plans to serve lunch to those in need from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Other churches lending a hand include:
- Grace Community Church (Contact Stephen Wickliffe at 903-216-9651)
- Marvin Methodist Church (Contact Shannon Pogue at 903-592-7396)
Businesses were also pitching in to help by offering free meals or discounts to line serviceworkers. Among those helping was Burning Tree Land Management, which set up at Broadway Square Mall’s parking lot on Wednesday to serve Frito Pie until they ran out, and the Tyler Lone Star Harley-Davidson dealership which served a free lunch. To view a full list of places offering deals, visit https://tinyurl.com/lineserviceworkersdeals.
The city also recommended Rose City Oil, which it said is clearing trees on driveways and sidewalks. Contact them at 920-484-8357.
Many traffic signals were without power Wednesday morning, but by 4 p.m. all power had been restored, the city said.
The city and county are both still working to assess damage and clear roadways. On Tyler city streets, there were at least 354 work orders for blocked roadways.
Volunteer organizations active during disasters are encouraged to assist in clearing trees and debris on private property. If power lines are involved, do not attempt to move the lines or trees. Contact the Tyler Police Department non-emergency number at 903-531-1000 to report downed power lines.
Tyler residents can report flooded streets, potholes, sinkholes, downed trees, stormwater issues, and drainage issues using the free “MyTyler” phone App or by calling the Streets Department at 903-531-1393 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the Tyler Police Department non-emergency number at 903-531-1000 during non-business hours.
In Tyler, all essential city services like water and wastewater are operating at full capacity. Customers are asked to remain patient about trash pickup as many roads remain inaccessible.
Tyler officials ask residents to avoid all parks and trails until damage has been cleared. Park crews are focused on helping the streets department clear roadways first, then they’ll head to the parks.
A disaster declaration remains in effect for all of Smith County, and the City of Whitehouse also issued its own declaration. Officials encourage affected residents to please report their damages to the state. To do so, visit https://damage.tdem.texas.gov or click here to be directed to the survey. Residential, commercial and/or agricultural property damage can be reported through TDEM.
These surveys could help funding be released from the Federal Emergency Management System directly to residents, the city said.
The next chance for rain in the Tyler area is Monday, according to CBS19.
