Collin County issues disaster declaration for tornado damage in Celina

A massive tornado swept through North Texas on May 25, causing extensive damage to the city of Celina43 miles north of Dallas – prompting Collin County District Judge Chris Hill to issue a disaster declaration.

An unconfirmed F3 tornado touched down in Collin County, causing extensive damage in and near the town of Celina, according to a release. Some houses were completely destroyed, but there were no casualties.

Overnight, about 15,000 county residences were without power due to downed power lines. As of 11 a.m. May 26, that number had been reduced to 2,146 power outages.

Suspected tornadoes ripped through the central US, killing at least eight people, causing power outages and forcing residents to shelter in place over the Memorial Day weekend. according to CNN. Areas affected included Cooke County, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas.

Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington told CNN that five victims were reported, including three in a family and two children. A reported tornado hit a Shell Station mobile home park and travel center.

In Denton County, a possible tornado caused injuries, damaged several homes, overturned 18-wheelers, downed trees and downed power lines, while the Lake Ray Roberts Marina in Sanger sustained damage to boats and boathouses.

Tornado destroys building in Denton.Denton Fire Department.

Two women, Valenia Gill and Brenda Procter Dance, were driving through Cooke County in Valley View, at I-35 and FM 3002at 22:45 and were caught in the middle, which they documented with their cell phones. video which currently has 153 million views. (The inside has kindly raised one GoFundme to help Gill repair the damage to her car.)

“I am heartbroken by the reports of devastation suffered by our friends and neighbors in Collin County last night,” Judge Hill said in a statement. “Our crews from Collin County, Celina and partner agencies worked through the night and will continue to work throughout the day to clear debris from roads and assess damage to homes.”

Residents in immediate need of supplies and resources can contact GraceBridge, a nonprofit serving Celina families. GraceBridge will be open today at 402 South Oklahoma Dr. in Celina to accept donations of essential supplies and resources for families in need.

The Salvation Army of North Texas has also established a presence in several areas affected by the storm, including Lake Ray Roberts Marina, Celina and Valley View, with units equipped to deliver food, water and basic amenities directly to first responders and those in need within the devastated areas.

In collaboration with The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team, The Salvation Army has mobilized three mobile kitchens from Lewisville, Fort Worth and Sherman and a Rapid Response Unit from Irving to provide critical support to communities affected.