WHITEHOUSE, Texas — Officials identified the East Texas resident who died during overnight Monday and early Tuesday morning severe storms.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Whitehouse Police Department identified W. M. Soloman, 71, as the person who died during the storms that passed through the city early Tuesday morning.
Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley said a tree was pushed by the storm and fell across Soloman's home.
"Last night's storm also brought down power lines, obstructed traffic and caused property damage in the heart of the City of Whitehouse. I was proud to see the City staff, Police and Fire jump into action at the first signs of the menacing storm," Wansley said. "I was humbled by the support we received from Smith County ESD 2, Smith County Emergency Management Team, Smith County Road & Bridge, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran, Whitehouse ISD, TxDOT, Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Red Cross, Crisis Response Ministries, National Weather Service and Oncor."
Classes for Whitehouse ISD were canceled for Tuesday due to storm damages.
According to the city of Whitehouse, emergency personnel and city crews conducted rapid damage assessments through Whitehouse's hardest hit neighborhoods.
"We encourage our citizens to use local, reputable companies for any repairs or tree removal," the city said in a statement. "We have been in close contact with Republic Services who will be doing extra brush and limb pickup Wednesday and Thursday."
The limbs must be three foot or less in length. Residents can use the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free once a month by presenting a copy of their most recent City of Whitehouse water bill.
The National Weather Service is on scene to determine the nature of this weather event.
"Oncor is working diligently to get power restored as quickly and safely as possible. As power is restored please check on your neighbors. If you see that properties around you have power restored and you do not, please contact your service provider to make sure they are aware that your service has not been restored," the city's statement read.
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