Cleanup underway in east Texas after tornadoes, storms damage communities

FRANKLIN, Texas — Communities are cleaning up and assessing the damage after Saturday’s tornadoes moved through parts of Texas.

On Sunday morning, officials in Robertson County, which is where the Franklin tornado hit, said during a news conference that their supply needs have been met, so please don’t bring anything out. They also are telling anyone who wants to come out and volunteer not to just show up. They’re asking people call the Red Cross or the Emergency Operations Center at 979-828-6680.

Crews are still going through the damage from the storm and they’re asking people who don’t belong there to please stay out for now.

“Anyone who does not have business in the affected areas should stay out,” said Billy Huggins with the Robertson County Emergency Management.

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As of right now, there are 55 residences, one church and four businesses destroyed.

There have been no reported fatalities in Franklin. In Angelina County, south of Nacogdoches, an 8-year-old and 3-year-old child were killed when a tree fell on the car they were in. Our sister station, KYTX in Tyler, reports at least one death on Highway 21 in Houston County.   

For residents in Robertson County who need food, there’s plenty being taken to the Baptist Church.  The Mud Creek store south of Franklin is back up and running for fuel and groceries.

Water services are being restored. The boil order is still in place for the southside. 

There will be another press conference at 5 p.m.