Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an emergency declaration late Wednesday night after severe storms, including tornadoes and flooding, struck across Arkansas, causing widespread damage. The storms left a trail of destruction, particularly impacting power lines, homes, and infrastructure, leading to significant disruptions across the state.
The emergency declaration specifically addresses the extensive damage caused by these severe weather events, highlighting the downed power lines and the urgent need for equipment and supplies to restore power. “This declaration is crucial for facilitating immediate recovery efforts,” said Governor Sanders in her statement. She noted that the storms had caused power outages across large parts of the state, and line crews would require special equipment, including transformers and oversized loads, to restore electricity and other essential services.
In a move to support the recovery process, Sanders also signed an executive order earlier that day to release $250,000 from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. This funding is aimed at helping the affected areas recover quickly and efficiently, covering immediate needs such as transportation, equipment, and other recovery efforts.
As Arkansas begins to assess the damage and respond to the needs of its citizens, the Arkansas Storm Team has issued warnings for continued severe weather, predicting more storms through the coming days, with the potential for additional tornadoes and flooding. These storms are expected to continue into early Saturday, causing further challenges for the recovery efforts in the state.
Residents and officials are preparing for the ongoing impacts, and the governor’s declaration will allow for a swift mobilization of resources and assistance. Arkansas officials are coordinating with local emergency services and the Arkansas National Guard to help with recovery operations.
With the state still reeling from the damage, Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of cooperation from all levels of government, as well as the commitment to restoring normalcy as soon as possible.
