Storm Damage in Arkansas Last Night

Last night was a terrifying one for residents of Arkansas as an EF3 tornado struck Little Rock, reducing homes and cars to rubble, toppling buildings and scattering debris on roads as people fled for safety. This storm was part of a massive system that caused deadly weather across the South and Midwest on Friday night.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard, while also asking President Joe Biden for a major disaster declaration to aid recovery efforts.

Last night’s massive storm in Arkansas caused potential severe damage, yet the state is bracing for it. American Red Cross teams are out in communities throughout Arkansas providing nutritious meals and snacks, distributing emergency supplies, supporting shelters, and conducting initial damage assessments.

Volunteers in Arkansas are helping those affected by storm damage by providing relief.

The American Red Cross is on the ground in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Arkansas to assess storm damage and assist those affected. We urge people in these states to prepare now for potential severe risks and remain weather aware.

State officials reported on Friday that a tornado which tore through Wynne, Arkansas on Tuesday killed two people and injured dozens more. The storm caused widespread destruction throughout the small community as it tore apart its foundations, leaving behind nothing but destruction in its wake and resulting in widespread power outages.

Mayor Jennifer Hobbs of Wynne told CNN her city had been “cut in half” by the tornado. Drone footage provided to CNN by Ray Sharp showed twisted and crushed homes covered in debris.

On August 21st, an EF3 tornado made landfall in Sigourney, Iowa – 70 miles southwest of Cedar Rapids. It roared through the town with a loud boom and damaged multiple houses as well as a church, according to The Associated Press (AP).

A suspected tornado struck rural eastern Iowa, devastating some homes and damaging other structures. In nearby Charlotte, a gas leak forced 400 residents to flee their homes.

On Friday morning, more than 40 confirmed or suspected tornadoes have been reported across the South and Midwest. While some are likely the same as others, National Weather Service officials believe some are distinct events.

Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama have all experienced confirmed or suspected tornadoes. A woman died from one in northern Alabama’s Madison County; another was spotted near Rolling Fork where storms last week devastated parts of the town.

Five states have reported at least 14 fatalities and over two dozen injured in the Little Rock area of Arkansas due to a storm surge of tornadoes that swept through the region, wrecking homes and shopping centers.

Storms have caused havoc across the Southeast, and the American Red Cross is responding by providing assistance in areas where tornadoes have struck. We will remain on the scene and offer support as needed.

In addition, we are supporting recovery efforts in Mississippi after a devastating tornado outbreak. We will be aiding with restoring utilities and clearing debris from the area.