Resources shared for Port Arthur residents impacted by tornado, bad weather
Published 1:03 pm Wednesday, April 10, 2024
- Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie, center, speaks to local media regarding Wednesday’s tornado outside Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, which was one of several sites to receive catastrophic damage during the morning storm. (Mary Meaux/The News)
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Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie and city leaders are asking residents to aid in the assessment of storm damage.
Bartie and the emergency management team held a briefing Wednesday at noon outside Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, which was one of several sites to receive catastrophic damage during the morning storm.
Residents of Port Arthur who received damage are asked to email a photo of the damage, along with address and contact information to damage.tdem.texas.gov.
You may also provide this information via phone by calling 409-983-8139 or 409-983-8133. Please leave a message regarding the address, estimated damage and contact information.
Beginning at approximately 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued severe weather warnings that included Port Arthur, and during this time a tornado warning was issued.
A bulldozer moves debris Wednesday morning from the roadway in the 1700 block of 13th Street. (Mary Meaux/The News)
The city experienced varying amounts of damage to property and trees, and city personnel were out early assessing damage and removing debris.
The city is aware that approximately 2,300 residents are without power, and Entergy informed the city power would be restored by 8 p.m. Wednesday, Bartie said.
Bartie, who works at Hannah Funeral Home, offered the Rev. Walter Allen of Progressive MBC the use of the funeral home chapel for services.
Emergency Management Coordinator Jermey Houston said at this point in time no injuries or deaths were reported.
Michael Chambers, volunteer with the Red Cross, said they are assessing the needs of the impacted residents, and shelters may possibly be opened.
Chambers added the pertinent information would be relayed to the city, that would in turn inform the public.
The Rec Cross is actively providing assistance and resources to those who may be in need, Bartie said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has not been notified as of noon Wednesday. Houston said a disaster declaration must be called first in order for FEMA to respond.
Bartie explained Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick is responsible for making a disaster declaration.
