Wichita County extends disaster declaration amid flooding, warns of road closures and damage
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Summary
The county extended its disaster declaration to June 3 as officials assess storm and flood damage to roads and bridges; officials urged residents to report damage and warned of a major Holman Road mudslide.
Wichita County Commissioners Court on May 6 voted 5‑0 to extend a county disaster declaration related to recent heavy rain and river flooding through June 3.
County Judge Johnson told the court he signed an initial declaration in advance of predicted heavy rainfall and river flooding and that commissioners must approve or let such declarations lapse within seven days. “I went ahead and signed a declaration of disaster for Wichita County,” Judge Johnson said, citing National Weather Service forecasts and ongoing rainfall.
The county is monitoring damage to roads and bridges and said that if damage exceeds the approximate $600,000 threshold used for certain disaster assistance eligibility, the county could seek additional resources. Officials urged residents with property damage to contact the county’s emergency management office to submit damage reports through the county intake system.
During public comment, officials reported multiple road closures north of Pumpkin Center and in Precinct 2. A precinct official said Holman Road north of Burkburnett was closed after a mudslide and soil failure left a 12‑inch road drop and a roughly 60‑foot crack and that crews will remove and rebuild the damaged roadbed.
Commissioner Mueller moved to extend the disaster declaration until June 3; Commissioner Beauchamp seconded the motion. The court approved the extension unanimously. Officials said extending the declaration keeps emergency resources available while damage assessments continue.
