Relief workers are fanned across Cooke and Collin Counties in the aftermath of Saturday's deadly storms. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott made a personal inspection of the damage area in a trip to Valleu View.
Cooke, Collin, Denton and Montegue counties were all in the line of the killer storm cell that took aim at the town of Valley View, killing seven before sweeping into Collin County. The marina at lake Ray Roberts was turned into a debris field.
"Sampson and I, we're alive," said Frank Soltysiak of Sanger, who grabbed his dog and took cover steps ahead of the twister.
"Got the clothes on my back and a leash for him and I was able to get some of his blankets out. We slept in my car. The car is destroyed, also. It must have picked up my car and just spun it because the whole back end is all twisted up."
He was finding possessions strewn about the area. For now, he calls a hotel in Denton his temporary home.
During his visit the Governor urged all affected to get in touch with their insurance companies sooner rather than later and fill out state forms to see if they qualify for assistance.
"We estimate that there are close to 100 people injured, more than 200 homes or structures destroyed, and more than 220 buildings damaged," said Abbott.
"As further assessments are made, those numbers may increase. It has been a harrowing week with lives lost, property reduced to rubble, and crushed hopes and dreams of those that owned homes or small businesses, but in true Texas fashion, Texans are responding to this great tragedy with love, care, and generosity."
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