Texas May Declares ‘Critical Need’ After Storms

The mayor of Austin is declaring a local state of disaster after flooding and heavy storms damaged hundreds of homes in Central Texas.

Lee Leffingwell sent a letter to Texas Gov. Rick Perry saying a “critical need” existed for state and federal help.

The Austin American-Statesman reports that the local city council is also considering waiving permit and development fees for homeowners dealing with flooding.

Five people died in the flooding caused by heavy rains Wednesday and Thursday that dumped up to 13 inches in the region.