ORANGE, Texas (Talk1370.com) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and state officials surveyed storm damage from Hurricane Laura Thursday, saying the state of Texas "dodged a bullet."
Abbott and other state leaders surveyed the damage left behind by the storm, which made landfall early Thursday morning near Cameron, La., as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds at 150 miles per hour.
Abbott commended the Southeast Texas community for evacuating ahead of the storm, which helped to minimize the loss of life and severe safety concerns, and he urged Texans to remain vigilant against flash flooding and potential river flooding.
"While we are grateful that the damage of Hurricane Laura was far less severe than expected, many communities in Southeast Texas have experienced significant damage from this storm — and the State of Texas is already initiating recovery efforts and ensuring these communities have the support they need to rebuild," Abbott said. "I am thankful for the proactive leadership by local officials and for the way Texans in the region took action to protect themselves and their families by evacuating ahead of the storm. I urge those affected by the hurricane to continue to pay attention to the direction of local officials as they seek to return to their homes."
According to Abbott's office, tree damage has been reported in Jefferson, Hardin, and Orange counties, and Orange County has also reported structural damage. Recovery efforts are already underway in the areas hardest hit by the storm, with several state agencies in the affected areas to provide search and rescue capabilities if needed.
A number of medical resources were deployed ahead of the storm and remain in affected areas to assist in recovery efforts. Over 350 Emergency Medical Task Force Members are currently deployed, and over 144 hurricane evacuation missions have been conducted.
More information on recovery efforts and resources available to Texans affected by the storm is available on the Governor's website at gov.texas.gov/hurricane.