Deadly Tornadoes Touch Down in Arkansas
Friday turned into a nightmare for the residents of Arkansas as a series of deadly tornadoes touched down throughout the state due to severe weather warnings issued for the Midwest and Mid-South. Reports suggest that tornado damage was widespread and extensive. The cities that suffered significant damage were Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Jacksonville. The National Weather Service reported injuries in West Little Rock.
Mayor of Little Rock Calls for Help
The tornado emergency declared by the Little Rock mayor, Frank Scott Jr., urged people to stay away from affected areas, and he also asked for National Guard assistance. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center to provide necessary resources to local jurisdictions. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an order directing $250,000 to the Division of Emergency Management.
Relief Efforts Begin in Little Rock
The American Red Cross is opening a shelter in Little Rock at Calvary Baptist Church for anyone without identification or proof of residency. In addition, Little Rock opened an emergency shelter at Hall High School. Hospitals such as Baptist Hospital’s Little Rock and North Little Rock medical centers are anticipating a surge in patients and preparing staff, supplies, and additional areas to treat patients.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued Across Midwest and Mid-South
The severity of the tornado outbreak was not limited to Arkansas as millions of people from Arkansas to Iowa were placed under severe weather warnings issued for the Midwest and Mid-South by Storm Prediction Center. A rare “high risk” Level 5 out of 5 alert was issued by the Center for parts of the Midwest and Mid-South. The public has been urged to head to safe places immediately when a tornado warning is issued.
Threat of Severe Storms Across Central and Southern States
Severe storms are expected to sweep across some central and southern states bringing the threat of several strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds to nearly 90 million people across 21 states. The risk of severe storms stretches from northern Mississippi to Iowa, including Indianapolis, Indiana, Little Rock, Arkansas, Des Moines, Iowa, and St. Louis.
Severe Weather Plan Could Save Lives
The tornado outbreak has underscored the importance of having a severe weather plan in place before the storm strikes which could save lives. A moderate risk of severe storms extended from northern Mississippi to Iowa while there was also a slight risk of severe storms that extends from northeastern Texas to southern Minnesota and east to Michigan and West Virginia.
These deadly tornadoes that touched down in Arkansas brought massive destruction and havoc. However, the relief efforts started as soon as possible by the authorities, the American Red Cross, and hospitals is a glimmer of hope for thousands affected by this horrifying incident. The severity of this event underscores the importance of being prepared for natural disasters like these.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
