Yell County residents cleaning up debris after Sunday storms, power outages cancel some classes

YELL COUNTY, Ark. – Some school districts in Yell County cancelled school Monday due to widespread power outages from the weekend storms.

Yell County Judge Jeff Gilkey said it’s for safety reasons, as many trees are still down on bus routes and there are places without power.

Neighbors were out helping neighbors in the small community of Belleville after weekend storms caused damage and widespread power outages.

Tracy Tharp had damage around her home and is without power.

“And a tree came crashing down next door to us and it’s just been something after another all weekend and we just can’t get a break,” Tharp said.

Not only is Tracy Tharp’s neighborhood dealing with damage from Sunday night but also Friday night.

A twisted-up metal roof was blown off their neighbors’ home Friday and trees down on a power line happened Sunday.

“So, we’ve been without power since 8 o’clock last night and they’re saying possibly 10:30 tonight,” Tharp said.

Dardanelle Public school district also cancelled classes on Monday.

“I’ve Been in contact with several school districts, most of them decided to cancel school just based on bus routes, some of them didn’t have power,” Gilkey said.

Driving from Dardanelle to Danville and into smaller communities, massive trees are seen uprooted.

In Belleville, crews discovered that a barn which was anchored into the ground with concrete, was completely knocked over by the wind.

Thankfully no was one hurt.

“With the power line and tree down, I was just ‘Oh no,” Tharp said.

Entergy is working to restore power in the area. Gilkey said road crews have been hard at work all weekend clearing storm debris.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.