Governor declares State of Emergency

Governor declares State of Emergency

Five confirmed fatalities in weekend flooding, high winds

Arkansas Department of Emergency Management NORTH LITTLE ROCK— Governor Asa Hutchinson has declared a State of Emergency for Arkansas in response to the severe storms and flooding throughout the state.

Arkansas Department of Emergency Management officials are receiving all of the requests from the counties and are responding on order of the Governor. “Our prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones in the heavy rain and storms last night. I also thank our first responders who have worked tirelessly to provide assistance,' Governor Hutchinson said.

“This afternoon I declared a State of Emergency for Arkansas to ensure that we have in place available resources to assist counties affected by last night’s storms. ADEM continues to coordinate with counties on damage assessments.”

Shelters are open in Faulkner, Saline and Craighead counties to accommodate displaced persons from damaged and flooded homes, including Allen Park in Jonesboro.

“At this time, we have reports of five confirmed fatalities due to severe weather last night and today,” a report from ADEM stated Monday morning. “Arkansas County – one fatality, Carroll County – one fatality, Cleburne County — one fatality, and Washington County – two fatalities.”

Locally, high winds and several inches of rain caused minor damage and toppled a few power lines.

No injuries were reported.

More rain is expected to move through the state and the region later this week, with a chance of severe weather in the forecast on Wednesday.

From Whitney Green