President Bush Declares Parts of North Texas Major Disaster Areas

Many in the DFW Metroplex and surrounding areas are now looking to FEMA and other government aids for help. Storms have battered the area leaving many stranded, homeless, desperate, and claiming the lives of at least 11 victims. On June 29, 2007, the victims were releved to hear that President Bush had declared parts of North Texas a major disaster area allowing them the chance to apply for federal aid. Counties included in this declaration include Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Grayson, Lampassas, and Tarrant.

This has been one of the wettest years on record. For the past two years Texas has been in a severe drought stage. And now, after only six months of 2007 flooding is the biggest problem. "We prayed for the rain to come, and now it just won't stop!", said Shameika McAllister, a DeSoto native. For the month of June the total recorded at DFW Airport was 11.1 inches, falling just shy of the record 11.58 inches set in 1928. However, this total has set Dallas into one of the top ten rainiest months in recorded history and the rainiest month in 25 years. Dan Shoemaker, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Fort Worth said of the second rainiest June, "Its hard to break records. That's why they're records." He continued, "When Texas breaks a drought, it doesn't mess around". The average rainfall for June is 3.23 inches. That's 7.87 inches less than this year's recorded June rainfall amounts.

Because of the higher than normal rainfall amounts, flooding has been the biggest concern in the Metroplex and surrounding areas. The Trinity River remained 5 feet over its flood banks on June 30, though the levees remained intact to prevent any serious flood issues. Among other problem spots were Lake Worth, and the Brazos River. Residents near the Brazos river in Parker County placed on a mandatory evacuation, though many decided they were not leaving their homes.

All the rain and flooding only follows the serious of tornado outbreaks in the area just two and three months prior. One of the most noted was the Haltom City tornado that hit on April 13, 2007. The enormous EF1 tornado destroyed homes and other buildings and claimed the life of 1 man. It also picked up and threw trailers as if they were toys. This storm not only produced the tornado but many houses and vehicles were damaged by the Tennis Ball and Baseball sized hail this storm threw at those in its path.

This declaration means hope for many who have nothing left. Unfortunately the end is not as close as many would like. Rain and storms continue to be forcast for at least the remainder of the week. All citizens can do is wait and see how much more they can stand.