Below is information regarding the storm that came through the Dallas area on October 20, 2019. Individuals looking for ways to help those impacted by the recent storms may consider making a monetary donation to the City of Dallas Emergency Assistance Fund. At this time, no additional items are needed.
To see the answers to our most frequently asked questions, click here.
For a full list of resources available, click here.
UPDATE: 10/22 at 7:30 p.m.
Below is an evening update on the October 20 evening storm response. We would like to remind people to dial 3-1-1 to report downed power lines and storm debris blocking roadways.
Oncor
10,000 people have had their power restored since this morning. There remain approximately 17,000 power outages.
Oncor is utilizing their mutual assistance partners to help get power restored.
Oncor crews are coordinating with City crews to reach areas with heavy debris.
Six Dallas ISD schools are currently without power; Oncor anticipates all power to be fully restored by this Thursday.
Atmos Energy
Since last Sunday, Atmos has received a total of 650 calls for service.
Crews are canvassing the area and have shut off 363 gas meters.
Atmos repaired a total of 9 leaks today.
Atmos will perform a helicopter survey for leaks tomorrow. Attached are two graphics that Atmos and the City will share via media channels.
Dallas Fire-Rescue
DFR personnel and OEM volunteers completed their damage assessments of the impacted area today. Below is a total damage breakdown.
Affected: 153 – Very minimal damage
Minor: 344 – Damage to the exterior only. No structural members involved
Major: 286 – Damage to structural members
Destroyed: 104 – Loss of structural integrity
Dallas Police Department
DPD is urging residents to remain vigilant and not enter the impacted areas for their own safety.
Any individual attempting to enter the area will be stopped by officers and asked the purpose of them being in the area.
A list of road closures is currently posted and updated periodically on DPD social media and their DPD Beat blog here: https://wp.me/p43x0e-9x7
Public Works
Public Works is continuing 24-hour operations to clean up areas in the right-of-way.
Multiple crews are out currently focusing on tree and debris removal.
Public Works anticipates clean-up will take approximately 2 weeks.
Sanitation Services
Outside contractors will assist with pick-up in addition to City crews. Six of the ten contracted crews have been deployed today, the last four will be deployed tomorrow to assist with storm debris collection. Debris will be taken to the Bachman Transfer Station for disposal.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, Sanitation Services will collect residential waste and recycling collections that may have been missed in storm impacted areas on Monday.
All other residential waste and recyclable collections will run on normal schedules.
Transportation
There are currently 5 signals flashing, 105 communication outages of which 80 have no electricity. Staff continues to address downed traffic signals.
40 signals will need a full rebuild; 20 signals will need readjustments. Field assessments are ongoing.
Staff will be able to estimate any sustained damage once power is restored.
Building Services
Damages have been reported at 13 City facilities including two fire stations, five branch libraries and other facilities with minor damages.
Structural assessments are underway at Fire Station 41.
Fire Station 35 is currently powered by a generator, pending power restoration by Oncor.
Walnut Hill Recreation Center will receive temporary roof repairs tomorrow in advance of projected weather on Thursday.
Building Services is coordinating with Risk Management as they proceed with any potential insurance claim process.
Shelter at Bachman Recreation Center
The Bachman Recreation Center overnight shelter is closed; however, it will serve as a respite center beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, October 23) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For immediate needs, contact the Red Cross at 1-800- RED CROSS or 1-800-733-2767.
Libraries
Preston Royal Branch is open for limited service but still does not have power.
We would like to remind people to dial 3-1-1 to report downed power lines and storm debris blocking roadways.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: 10/22 at 11:54 a.m.
Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) personnel and Office of Emergency Management volunteers continue to conduct secondary damage assessments of the impacted area. DFR’s secondary damage assessments are currently 68% complete and are expected to be completed by the end of the day.
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) reported no crime issues in the areas impacted by the storm overnight. DPD asks people who don’t reside in the area to please refrain from visiting the areas impacted by the storms.
Public Works is currently working around the clock to clean up debris areas in the right-of-way. Multiple crews are currently focusing on tree and debris removal. The department anticipates clean-up will take up to two weeks. Residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 if they encounter debris in rights-of-way or downed trees.
Sanitation Services has contracted additional crews to assist with storm debris collection which will be taken to the Bachman Transfer Station for disposal. Residential waste and recycling collections in the storm impacted areas that were scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2019 will be collected on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. All other residential waste and recyclable collections will run normal schedules.
The Red Cross is continuing to oversee shelter operations at Bachman Recreation Center. Four individuals stayed overnight at the shelter.
Dallas Public Libraries reported the Preston Royal Branch Library is open for limited service but still does not have power.
Oncor reported approximately 25,000 customers remain without power in the city of Dallas.
UPDATE: 10/21 at 6:08 p.m.
Below is updated information on the disaster recovery efforts from the October 20 evening storm:
Dallas Fire-Rescue
· DFR personnel continues to conduct primary damage assessments of the impacted area.
· DFR will suspend operations at 6 p.m. this evening and will resume at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
· DFR has reported they are 48% complete with their assessment of the area.
Dallas Police Department
· DPD is urging residents to remain vigilant and not enter the impacted areas for their own safety.
· Any individual attempting to enter the area will be stopped by officers and asked the purpose of them being in the area.
· DPD received reports of possible looting, but was confirmed to be residents of the South Wind Apartments trying to access their residence. All residents have now been granted access back into their homes.
Public Works
· Public Works will operate 24 hours to clean up areas in the right of way
· Multiple crews are out currently focusing on tree and debris removal.
· Public Works anticipates clean up will take approximately 2 weeks.
Sanitation Services
· Ten contracted crews will be deployed to assist with storm debris collection which will be taken to the Bachman Transfer Station for disposal.
· Residential waste and recycling collections in the storm impacted areas scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2019 may be delayed until Sanitation crews are able to access those areas due to traffic and road and alley obstructions. We presently project that those areas will be collected on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.
· All other residential waste and recyclable collections will run normal schedules.
Transportation
· As of 4:30 p.m. today, there are 10 signals flashing; 139 communication outages of which 100 have no electricity. Staff continues to address these downed traffic signals.
· Staff will be able to estimate any sustained damage once power is restored.
Building Services
· Damages have been reported at 13 City facilities including two fire stations, five branch libraries and other facilities with minor damages.
· Structural assessments are underway at the two fire stations.
Shelter at Bachman Recreation Center
· Purchasing Department has ordered portlets and a shower unit.
· Red Cross is continuing to oversee shelter operations.
· Staff anticipates approximately 34 individuals will stay in the shelter overnight, and the number is expected to increase throughout the evening.
Information Technology
· IT is contacting Verizon and AT&T to boost cellular connection signals in the impacted areas.
Oncor
· As of 4:30 p.m. today, there are approximately 42,000 power outages.
· Oncor is utilizing their mutual assistance partners to help get power restored.
· Crews anticipate a majority of power being restored this evening for those that do not require a rebuild.
Atmos Energy
· Since last evening, Atmos has received 500 calls for service.
· Crews are canvassing the area to evaluate and shut off meters as needed.
· There were 4 leaks repaired today.
· Atmos will suspend operations at 6 p.m. and will resume in the morning.
UPDATE: 10/21 at 3:35 p.m.
In the interest of safety, the Dallas Police Department urges residents in the areas impacted by the October 20 evening storm to remain indoors from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. from today through Thursday. Non-residents are also urged to stay out of these areas during this timeframe. There may still be downed power lines and debris in these neighborhoods that could pose a safety hazard.
Crews from the City, Oncor and Atmos will be entering and exiting the areas to make repairs. Additionally, crews from the Office of Emergency Management and Dallas Fire Rescue will be working to complete their assessment by tomorrow. Please be mindful of crews at work.
There will also be extra police presence in these areas. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress or use the iWatchDallas app to report any suspicious activity. The iWatchDallas app is available on the App Store or Google Play for download.
UPDATE: 10/21 at 12:20 p.m.
The Office of Emergency Management is continuing to staff and monitor the respite site at the Bachman Recreation Center for residents impacted by last night’s tornado. There are currently 12 residents at the recreation center.
Today, Dallas Fire-Rescue will continue to assess damage across the city. Three people have been hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries attributed to the storm.
There are still residents impacted by downed trees, power outages, and storm-related damages. For residents needing relief or are without power, city recreation centers and libraries will be open during normal business hours except for the following libraries and recreation centers: Preston Royal Branch Library, Walnut Hill Recreation Center and Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center. While the Forest Green Branch is without power, they are open for residents to check out materials or for community gatherings.
Sanitation Services is bringing in contractors to assist with storm debris collection to maintain normal trash pick-up schedules. Code Compliance will not issue citations for brush and storm debris placed for pickup in areas impacted by storms. All Sanitation Transfer Stations are open at normal hours for residents to drop off any brush and storm debris. Find locations at dallaszerowaste.com.
Sanitation Services is using 311 data to identify high-volume call areas for contractor pick-up. We encourage residents to dial 3-1-1 or use the Dallas 311 app to report damage or downed trees.
Currently, there are multiple traffic signals impacted the storm. When residents approach intersections with signals without power or flash signals, please treat it like a four-way stop and come to a full stop.
For the latest street closures, refer to the link below:
https://dallasgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=514f541e95bb4c0fad98d46f9cf15d3e
Residents with Court-related dates today may request consideration of a delay through 3-1-1. Our field officers will be patrolling the area to help reunite pets with their owners. Additionally, if you are missing your pet in the wake of the storm last night, please call 3-1-1 to report file a missing pet report.
This post will be updated as more information is made available.
UPDATE 10/21 7:30 A.M.
There are currently 100 signal lights without power, 85 signals on flash and multiple signal lights knocked down. City crews have been surveying the damage since shortly after the storm.
UPDATE 10/21 6:00 A.M.
Street Closures for the North Central Section of the city:
Hillcrest Road/Walnut Hill Lane
Hillcrest Road/Royal Lane
No Westbound Royal Lane at St. Michaels Drive
No Northbound St. Michaels Drive at Royal Lane
Preston Road/Royal Lane
Street Closures for the Northwest Section of the city:
Marsh Lane/Walnut Hill Lane
Harry Hines Boulevard/Manana Drive
Denton Drive/Lombardy Lane
Walnut Hill Lane/Monroe Drive
Harry Hines Boulevard/Freewood Drive
Harry Hines Boulevard/Walnut Hill Lane
Walnut Hill Lane/Webb Chapel Road
Walnut Hill Lane/Midway Road
Shady Trail/Andjon Drive
Walnut Hill Lane/Marsh Lane
Walnut Hill Lane/Woodleigh Drive
Preston Road/Norway Road
Shady Trail/Southwell Road
Webb Chapel Road/Kinkaid Drive
Marsh Lane/Woodleigh Drive
Walnut Hill Lane/Shady Trail
Harry Hines Boulevard/Brenner Drive
UPDATE 10/21 12:30 A.M.
The City of Dallas is currently assessing the damages as a result of a storm with a radar-confirmed tornado that came through the Dallas area Sunday, October 20, at approximately 9.p.m. At this time, there are no reports of fatalities or serious injuries.
The Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue are assessing damaged structures and will continue to do so throughout the night.
Currently, there are approximately 35 traffic signals with no communication and crews are responding for repairs. Residents should call 3-1-1 to report downed traffic lights.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors if they are in an area with storm damage due to downed trees, power lines and debris.
There are reports of gas leaks north of Walnut Hill. If residents smell natural gas or suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and from a safe distance, call 9-1-1 and the Atmos Energy 24/7 emergency line at 866-322-8667.
According to Oncor, there are approximately 65,000 customers in Dallas experiencing a service interruption due to this storm. The City is preparing to open Bachman Recreation Center at 2 a.m. for people seeking shelter.
The City has activated its Emergency Operating Center and will continue to monitor the second round of storms that will come through the area early Monday morning. An update will be provided as additional information becomes available.