NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, Texas — Nacogdoches County Judge Greg Sowell has issued a disaster of declaration after heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding throughout the county in the early morning hours of Thursday.
Sowell issued the declaration due to "torrential rainfall and flash flooding" sustained in the early morning hours of May 11.
In the declaration, the county judge said he has determined that "extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect and rehabilitate property."
He also wrote a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott explaining the magnitude of the flooding and damage that impacted public and private property as well as residents of Nacogdoches County.
Sowell requested that Abbott declare a state of emergency for the state of Texas and issue appropriate directives.
He asked that proclamations be issued and remain in effect until the threat of life loss, injury and damage is contained.
"I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capability of the local jurisdiction to control," Sowell said.