Arkansas governor activates additional National Guardsmen as tornado tally climbs

A police officer directs traffic after severe weather left much of Rogers without power on May 26, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized more than 180 Arkansas Army National Guardsmen to support recovery efforts in Northwest Arkansas where the National Weather Service confirmed three additional tornadoes on Thursday.

In Rogers, 28 soldiers will help control traffic to facilitate debris removal sites and secure damaged buildings and property, according to a press release. This mission will last at least 10 days and could be extended.

Another 158 soldiers will support local law enforcement with traffic control as crews work to restore power. This mission will continue until electricity is restored.

Sanders earlier this week mobilized two guardsmen to provide potable water distribution at Piney Point Church in Rogers and that mission is expected to last until June 4.

“Our hearts go out to those who have been negatively affected by this past weekend’s storms,” said Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “We’re all in on doing our part to help the affected areas recover as quickly as possible.”

Sanders also signed an executive order Thursday that extends deadlines in storm-affected counties for property assessment, quarterly estimated income tax payments and vehicle registration penalty fees, among other things.

Benton County is one of the most affected areas after more than a dozen tornadoes plowed through north Arkansas on Sunday. The National Weather Service on Thursday reported three more tornadoes touched down in Benton County Sunday, bringing the county’s total to seven.

According to preliminary survey data, the agency has also reported the formation of seven other tornadoes across north Arkansas — one in Boone and Marion counties, one in Baxter County, one in Fulton County, two in Randolph County and two in Greene County .

National Weather Service crews are continuing to assess the damage and will have final reports in the coming days.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management revised its report of eight storm-related deaths Sunday to seven on Tuesday. Asked for an updated number Thursday, a spokesperson said the governor would provide “the most up-to-date information” during a press briefing Friday morning.

Arkansas governor requests federal disaster declaration for storm damage

Sanders requested a major disaster declaration from the president following a visit from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell who toured storm damage in Rogers on Wednesday. Criswell promised to quickly deliver resources to Arkansas communities if the federal declaration is approved.

Meanwhile, Benton County has compiled disaster relief information into one website where local residents can find information on debris removal, county facility closures, community resources and how to report structural damage.

In Marion County, a dedicated phone line has been set up for people requesting assistance as well as volunteers at 870-449-7567. Volunteers will answer the phone from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and voicemail is available after hours. Emails can also be sent to oemdirector@marioncountyar.gov .

Additional information about where to access showers or how to report storm damage is available on Marion County’s Facebook page .

Baxter County residents can drop vegetative storm debris at the Old Baxter County Quarry location from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents can also move brush and trees to the edge of the county road that will be picked up beginning on June 3, according to county officials .

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