Lawmakers tour tornado-devastated areas in Garland, Rowlett

GARLAND, Texas - Attorney General Ken Paxton, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and teams from FEMA are in North Texas Wednesday touring the areas hardest hit by a deadly EF-4 tornado.

The lawmakers and federal workers are getting an up-close look at the nearly 800 homes that were destroyed or damaged in Garland and Rowlett so that they can begin the process of granting federal aid to both Dallas County and those directly affected.

“Hopefully it will proceed appropriately,” Cruz said.

During a press conference following his tour, the Republican senator from Texas who is running for president said he understands it will take some people years to recover. He called the damage heartbreaking, but said he is prepared to assist in any way that he can.

Cruz said he believes it’s a miracle that more lives weren’t loss. He offered up prayers for the loved ones of those who were killed.

In Rowlett, an old and beloved water tower that was damaged by the storm may have to be torn down. City engineers will put guy wires on the tower Wednesday to stabilize it and then determine if it can be fixed.

Also, Garland police say all four people whose whereabouts have been unknown since Saturday have been accounted for.