LONGVIEW, Texas — The race to restore power to every East Texan who lost power following last week's storms is still underway.
Longview resident Bernadette Walmsley says she went almost four days without electricity at her home. But, that was the least of her worries as a tall pine tree fell next to her home. She says she's lucky it didn't land on her house or destroy her neighbor's home either.
"I thought this tree would outlast me," Walmsley said. "Now, I'm looking at it thinking how did that even? What took this tree from the ground?"
By Monday afternoon Walmsley's power was restored just after she rid her refrigerator and freezer of spoiled foods.
"I'm going to have to go to the grocery store after my refrigerator cools off enough," Walmsley said.
As some Longview residents continue to get their power restored, external affairs manager for SWEPCO Mark Robinson says his team still has work to do across East Texas.
"I know it's been a few days but we're getting there," Robinson said. "And now we're starting to pick up steam as all the crews are in. We're really excited about watching those numbers drop now."
Robinson says SWEPCO met with state leaders on Monday who asked what they can do to help speed up recovery.
"From putting additional resources in the field, from forestry, to making sure that we have the permitting that we need to allow trucks to come across state lines," Robinson said.
Gregg County announced a declaration of disaster Monday morning. Actions like that open counties up to more funding for emergency services like opening shelters, getting food, water and more.
Walmsley says the last few days were scary and rough, but now she's grateful to have her power back on thanks to dedicated linemen.
"I can't thank them enough because I know they come to these emergencies and they work tirelessly," Walmsley said. "I have a big thanks for them and it was a surprise that we got it on so quickly today. That just means somebody worked a little harder for me."
Gregg County is one of six East Texas counties added to Governor Greg Abbott's disaster declaration.