Smith County issues disaster declaration, urges residents to stay home In preparation of any loss of electricity, make sure your generators are fueled up and your phones are charged. Author: Reagan Roy Updated: 2:46 PM CST February 14, 2021 SMITH COUNTY, Texas — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran issued a Disaster Declaration for Smith County on Sunday due to the winter storm and the extremely hazardous driving conditions that have already caused partial closure of Interstate 20. Most of the state is under a winter storm warning through Monday, and emergency management officials are urging residents to stay home if possible, and do not drive on icy roads. Bridges, overpasses and other elevated structures are the first to freeze but other areas of roadways will continue to worsen as temperatures continue to plummet and ice and/or snow accumulation is seen in the area.