City of Round Rock estimates $32M in tornado damage to 680 residential structures

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Of the structures reported damaged, 13 were “destroyed” and 93 sustained “major damage.”

ROUND ROCK, Texas — The tornado that tore through Round Rock, Texas, on Monday, March 21, caused more than an estimated $32 million in damage to 680 residential structures, according to the City of Round Rock‘s preliminary assessments.

The assessments were provided by City officials and members of the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT). The City said BOAT sent trained and certified personnel to perform damage assessment to homes in neighborhoods impacted by the tornado. Each structure assessed received a tag that advised the owners and first responders of the level of safety and the damage sustained.

The City said these post-disaster building damage assessments are informational only and are intended to minimize the potential for bodily injury by advising of any potential hazards.

Officials placed green, yellow or red placards on damaged structures to inform residents about the condition of their homes. Green placards indicated that no apparent structural hazard was identified; yellow placards indicate that the building’s safety is questionable or hazardous conditions may exist and warrant restrictions on occupancy; and red placards indicate buildings unsafe for occupancy due to an extreme hazard or safety violation. 

A red placard does not mean the property has been condemned or will require demolition, according to the City.

The City said of the 68 residential structures that were reported damaged, 13 were “destroyed” and 93 sustained “major damages.” The following neighborhoods were impacted: Concord at Brushy Creek, Forest Bluff, Forest Grove, Greenlawn Place, Kensington, South Creek, Turtle Creek, Windy Park and Windy Terrace.

Officials continue to assess the damage. Residents who have experienced damage to their homes are encouraged to report it here and select “March Severe Weather.”

The City said it has implemented an expedited permitting approval process for residents affected by the tornado. Permits will be issued no later than two business days after the City has received a completed submittal. 

Round Rock’s Building Permits Office is also extending its office hours through 7 p.m. for the next two weeks. 

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