Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency after severe storms ripped through the state on Friday night into Saturday morning, leaving behind destruction, power outages, and loss of life. The violent weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, caused at least three fatalities and left 29 people injured across the state, according to emergency officials.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Governor Sanders said, “Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck Arkansas and continue to cause dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state, which in turn, warrants this executive action.” The governor’s declaration marks a crucial response to the widespread devastation, allowing state and federal resources to focus on recovery efforts.
The state of emergency will remain in effect until March 29 unless otherwise terminated, and it allows for significant changes to regulations surrounding emergency response efforts. Sanders stated that the emergency declaration includes exemptions for commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers, allowing them to bypass federal regulations limiting driving hours for up to 14 days as long as they are providing direct assistance to emergency response efforts.
“Weather-related damage includes numerous downed power lines, creating the need for commercial vehicles to haul heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment to line crews for the purpose of restoring power to the citizens of Arkansas,” Governor Sanders explained. This declaration is aimed at speeding up recovery operations, as crews work to restore electricity to those affected by the storms.
In the wake of the storm’s destruction, one of the most pressing concerns has been the number of downed power lines scattered across the state. Sanders emphasized the importance of public safety, urging residents to keep a safe distance from power lines and crews working to repair them. “It is important to maintain a safe distance from these downed power lines, line crews, and related equipment,” the governor said.
The emergency declaration also includes provisions that allow emergency response vehicles, such as utility trucks and electric utility supply vehicles, to bypass weigh stations throughout the state until March 29, 2025. This measure is meant to facilitate the swift transportation of critical aid to those in need and to accelerate recovery efforts. However, the governor clarified that the exemption does not apply to vehicles requiring special permits to operate on Arkansas roadways, nor does it relieve size and weight restrictions for these vehicles.
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management reported that the storm claimed the lives of three people in Independence County, with many others suffering injuries across the state. The damage from the storms has left a significant mark on communities, as emergency responders continue to assess the full extent of the destruction. In addition to the human toll, the storm’s impact on infrastructure has led to widespread power outages, further complicating the recovery process.
Governor Sanders has pledged full support for those affected by the storm, stating that the state is doing everything possible to assist local officials and emergency response teams. “The people of Arkansas have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity,” Sanders said. “We will continue to work together to recover and rebuild.”
As recovery efforts ramp up, Arkansas residents are urged to stay informed through local authorities and to adhere to safety guidelines in place for the duration of the emergency. Authorities are also asking for patience as they continue to work on restoring services and ensuring the safety of those impacted by the severe weather.
With the state of emergency now declared, the focus shifts to helping those affected by the storms and providing the resources necessary for a swift and effective recovery process.
