AUSTIN, Texas -- Gov. Rick Perry has issued a disaster declaration for Dallas, Tarrant and Kaufman counties, which sustained widespread damage when tornadoes tore through North Texas.

Perry says preliminary assessments from the American Red Cross indicate that nearly 650 structures were affected by as many as a dozen twisters Tuesday. He said in a statement Thursday that 200 of those were destroyed, while more than 100 sustained major damage.

The governor has suggested Texas eventually will ask for federal disaster aid, particularly for Dallas, Tarrant and Kaufman counties.

He also reminded homeowners of a new law passed by the state Legislature last summer which provides consumer protections against dishonest contractors who take advantage of those doing home repairs.

Perry's statement says people whose homes were damaged should be especially mindful of swindlers.