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Mayor Ivy Taylor on Tuesday signed paperwork asking Gov. Greg Abbott to declare a disaster in San Antonio because of massive damage from the weekend storm, which generated three tornadoes in Bexar County.
The declaration is the first step in seeking state and federal assistance, officials said.
City Manager Sheryl Sculley said more than 300 city employees dispersed across San Antonio Sunday night and Monday morning in response to the devastating storm.
RELATED: NWS confirms multiple tornadoes hit San Antonio area during overnight storms
District 1 City Councilman Roberto C. Treviño discusses the city’s rapid response following a tornado that touched down on Linda drive near the Quarry shopping center during overnight thunderstorms. (Scott Huddleston)
The city has already hauled off some 2,600 cubic yards of debris, which is equal to an entire football field covered 2 feet deep. More than 160 traffic signals were damaged, she said, and they are being restored and replaced.
City workers also have removed 118 downed trees.
RELATED: Real stories show how San Antonians survived 4 tornadoes in one night
Taylor thanked city and CPS Energy employees for their diligence in working to restore San Antonio, and noted that the city is seeking state and federal aid.
“This morning, we’ve issued a request directly to Gov. Greg Abbott, asking him to declare a disaster for San Antonio and issue appropriate directives to deal with our emergency,” she said.
The city’s Bitters brush recycling center will be open and available free of charge “until the city is back to normal,” Sculley said.
RELATED: Readers share photos of toppled trees, storm-damaged homes across San Antonio neighborhoods
Residents who would like to volunteer to help with cleanup, boarding up homes, and other needed services have been asked to call 311.
Also, anyone needing assistance with cleanup, especially senior citizens, should call 311 for help, officials said.
jbaugh@express-news.net
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