Arkansas delegation supports governor’s request for major disaster declaration

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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Steve Womack, Rick Crawford, French Hill and Bruce Westerman—wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for a major disaster declaration as a result of severe storms in Benton, Boone and Marion Counties on May 26.

“We encourage the president to quickly approve federal aid to help speed up recovery efforts in Arkansas,” members said. 

The letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to declare a major disaster, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act, as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on May 24, 2024, and are continuing.

As Governor Sanders noted in her request, the severity of this event created disastrous amounts of debris, severe infrastructure damage, and resulted in the deaths of at least nine citizens and injured countless others. Arkansans will continue to feel the destructive impact of this storm as we work to rebuild.  

Preliminary damage estimates conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency show major impacts to local jurisdictions in Benton, Boone, and Marion Counties exceeding an estimated $6.4 million in damages. At least 217 homes were destroyed with an additional 94 sustaining major damage. In total, over 478 homes were affected by the storms, leaving a large number of Arkansans displaced and many counties left without power for days. 

Despite facing significant hardships from the severe storm, Arkansans have demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and resilience. Communities from across the state have come together to support one another during this challenging time. But as it stands, we believe the magnitude of this weather event warrants supplemental federal assistance. The above-mentioned counties have seen homes, businesses, and important infrastructure severely damaged, and federal government resources will be critical in restoration efforts.

The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for your support, and respectfully ask for your attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety and full recovery of Arkansans.

Special session discussions ongoing as Arkansas tornado recovery efforts progress

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

While elected officials’ focus shifted to recovery efforts after more than a dozen deadly tornadoes struck the state last week, Arkansas lawmakers have continued negotiating the details of a pending special session.

A special session became necessary when the Arkansas Legislature failed to approve the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s budget before the end of the fiscal session last month. The agency’s appropriation bill stalled after lawmakers raised concerns about a proposed increase to the director’s salary.

Rep. Austin McCollum, R-Bentonville, said details of the commission’s funding “remain to be seen,” but he said lawmakers will pass a budget. To avoid interrupting the commission’s services, legislators must approve funding before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

Special session discussions ongoing as Arkansas tornado recovery efforts progress

Dwain Hebda/Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas State Capitol.

At least 15 are dead after tornadoes rip through parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas

KUAR | By Joe Hernandez

Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms ripped through parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas late Saturday evening and Sunday morning, leaving at least 15 people dead and causing widespread damage.

Around midday Sunday, some rescue crews in those states were still searching for missing people and digging out from the rubble, while residents in other states such as Kentucky and Tennessee were facing severe weather from the eastward-moving storms.

More than 400,000 residents throughout the region had lost power as of Sunday afternoon, according to the website poweroutage.us.

At least 15 are dead after tornadoes rip through parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas

Severe weather likely in Arkansas beginning Wednesday evening; briefing updated

• Severe storms are expected to fire across Arkansas this afternoon into the overnight hours.

• Chances for severe weather will increase through the day as a storm system tracks from the southern Plains to the mid-Mississippi Valley, and drags a cold front into Arkansas. Ahead of the front, well above average temperatures and humid conditions will create a very unstable environment.

• All modes of severe weather are in play this afternoon and overnight. Very large hail up to baseball size and wind gusts up to 80 mph are the main threats, with tornadoes also possible. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flash flooding as well.

• On Thursday, storms will be mostly south of Arkansas but could impact far southern portions of the state. Damaging winds and large hail would be the main hazards.

Minor updates have been made by the National Weather Service in Little Rock, AR.

They include the addition of NW Arkansas to the Tornado Outlook and Overnight Timing Graphics. 

Storms are expected to initially develop by early evening across northern and western Arkansas. These storms will be capable of all severe weather hazards. The storms will gradually shift eastward through the evening hours with the very large hail threat becoming slightly lower. The damaging wind and isolated tornado threat will persist. Activity should make it east of the Mississippi River by daybreak Thursday.

Severe Weather Briefing from the NWS in Little Rock

After activity comes to an end this morning, some additional thunderstorms could develop across central into southeast Arkansas this evening into tonight. But, the severe weather threat with this activity remains low.

The greatest risk of severe storms in Arkansas will be on Wednesday during the evening into the overnight hours.

Chances for severe weather will increase Wednesday as a storm system tracks from the southern Plains to the mid-Mississippi Valley, and drags a cold front into Arkansas. Ahead of the front, well above average temperatures and humid conditions will create a very unstable environment.

All modes of severe weather are in play. Very large hail up to baseball size and wind gusts up to 80 mph are the main threats, with tornadoes also possible. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flash flooding as well.

Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

• There is a potential for severe weather today through Wednesday. The greatest risk of severe storms in Arkansas will be on Wednesday.

• In the near term, an outbreak of severe weather is expected in the Plains today. A line of strong/severe storms will approach northwest Arkansas tonight, but should weaken as it progresses into the state during the predawn hours Tuesday. Additional isolated to scattered thunderstorms will pop up Tuesday afternoon, but any severe weather will be spotty.

• Chances for severe weather will increase Wednesday as a storm system tracks from the southern Plains to the mid-Mississippi Valley, and drags a cold front into Arkansas. Ahead of the front, well above average temperatures and humid conditions will create a very unstable environment. All modes of severe weather are in play, including tornadoes. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flash flooding.

Severe Weather Briefing from the NWS Little Rock

• A northward lifting warm front on Friday, in tandem with an approaching dryline from the west in eastern Oklahoma, will initiate an opportunity for strong to severe thunderstorms to develop and move into Arkansas.

• All modes of severe weather will be possible from large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes.

• Excessive rainfall will also accompany this system which will present the risk for flash flooding, especially in vulnerable locations for flash flooding as early as Thursday through Friday night.

National Weather Service Severe Weather Briefing

A cold front will push through Arkansas from the Plains on Thursday. Ahead of the front, very warm conditions/well above normal temperatures will exist, creating a very unstable environment.

A broken line of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the northwest counties Thursday afternoon. The line is then expected to move towards central and northeastern locations Thursday evening and night. There are indications the line will gradually weaken after the sun sets, and daytime heating is lost.

Large hail and damaging winds are the primary concerns, especially across northern and extreme western parts of the state. A low, but non-zero tornado chances exists across the northeastern half of the state.

Severe Weather Briefing Monday night into Tuesday for Arkansas

• After a quiet but breezy/warm weekend, a powerful storm system in the central Plains will drag a cold front toward Arkansas late Monday into late Tuesday night.

• Ahead of the front, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected from portions of Iowa and Nebraska to northern Texas Monday/Monday night. The focus for possible severe weather will shift eastward into Arkansas on Tuesday.

• Damaging straight-line winds appear the primary thunderstorm hazard across Arkansas, although large hail and a tornado or two will be possible with any supercells that manage to develop ahead of the main line of thunderstorms.

National Weather Service Severe Weather Briefing

A storm system arriving from the southern Plains will bring additional showers and thunderstorms to Arkansas today and tonight.

• Isolated to scattered severe storms could occur across the southern half to one-third of Arkansas today and tonight. The main concern will be large hail and damaging winds, however a tornado can not be ruled out. The environment will be most unstable (warm/moist) toward the Gulf Coast, and that is where damaging winds/a few tornadoes are most favorable.

• The forecast calls for an additional one-quarter of an inch to over one inch of rain across the state today and tonight. Locally heavier amounts are possible in the south and southeast portions of the state. Any flash flooding should be localized.

• Sub-freezing temperatures possible Sunday morning over portions of Arkansas.

Severe Weather Briefing for Wednesday evening from the National Weather Service in Little Rock, AR

Toward evening, a strong storm system and associated cold front will approach from the Plains. A new round of strong to severe thunderstorms will likely develop in southern Missouri and sweep into northern Arkansas.

This could be a significant severe weather event, and somewhat unusual for August. This kind of event is more reminiscent of spring. Destructive winds and large hail are the main concerns, and an isolated tornado or two are possible. 

Torrential downpours are expected in places. The forecast calls for two to three inches of rain in parts of the north, and this may result in localized flash flooding. 

National Weather Service
Little Rock, Arkansas

Lookout Arkansas! Another round of severe storms on the way for late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning

The potential for widespread severe weather across much of the state remains for later this evening and into the overnight hours. All severe weather hazards will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. 

• Thunderstorms are expected to develop and move across the state from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning.

• Damaging winds, tornadoes and large hail will be possible as storms move across the state.

• Initial storm development may occur across western Arkansas. These storms are expected to be isolated and capable of producing large hail and tornadoes as they move to the northeast.

• By late Tuesday/early Wednesday morning, storms are expected to merge into a line and march east across the state. The main severe weather hazards with the line of storms will be damaging winds and QLCS-type tornadoes.

• Locally heavy rainfall will be possible, but should not be very widespread. The highest amounts are expected across far southern Arkansas.

The National Weather Service indicates additional severe weather expected for Arkansas Tuesday and Wednesday

Rain and thunderstorms that moved across the state overnight have pushed east of the area. Rainfall amounts across southern Arkansas were generally in the 1-2 inch range. Amounts decrease as you go north.  

Mostly dry conditions are expected across the state today, southerly winds could be gusty at times. Very warm temperatures are expected today and Tuesday, highs could approach 90° in some areas both days.  

There will be an opportunity for strong to severe thunderstorms to develop and move across the state from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. All severe weather hazards appear possible, an enhanced risk of severe weather remains in place. The threat for severe weather should wrap up before noon Wednesday as a cold front moves east of the area.  

Locally heavy rain is possible Tuesday and Wednesday, the highest amounts are expected across far southern Arkansas. 

Rare ‘tornado emergency’ issued near Little Rock, Arkansas

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and digital journalist

A life-threatening situation was unfolding around Little Rock, Arkansas, with a rare tornado emergency being issued for the city and surrounding areas. “A large, extreme dangerous and potentially deadly tornado is on the ground,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Meteorologists at the NWS office in Little Rock took shelter during the emergency and temporarily transfered all operational duties to the office in Memphis, Tennessee, until the threat has ended. A tornado emergency is reserved for the most extreme situations when there is a significant risk of damage and a high likelihood of fatalities.

The first of many severe thunderstorm warnings was issued early Friday, and AccuWeather meteorologists say the threat of dangerous severe storms, including tornadoes, will last into early Saturday.

A large, fast-moving tornado roared through central Arkansas early Friday afternoon near the Little Rock area. Preliminary reports of damage to buildings and disruptions on highways have been reported in the wake of the twister. Power outages are also spiking in Pulaski County, the county in which Little Rock is located. Over 50,000 electric customers were without power, and rising, according to PowerOutage.us. A severe thunderstorm immediately proceeded the tornado-warned storm. Although the second storm did not spin up a tornado, it brought heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds to areas that were hit by the tornado. There is no word on storm-related injuries.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/live-news/live-large-extremely-dangerous-tornado-tears-through-arkansas-amid-severe-weather-outbreak/1506174

The view of a tornado Friday afternoon in Little Rock, Arkansas, as seen from Colonel Glenn area of the city. (Tristan Acker)

NWS-Little Rock warns of a strong storm system in Arkansas on Friday, March 31

A strong storm system will be in the central United States on Friday.  Ahead of the system, a gusty south wind will bring warm temperatures and increasing moisture, and the potential of strong to severe thunderstorms. 

The greatest severe weather potential is where the most lift (surrounding a storm system to the north) overlaps the most unstable air (from the southwest). This includes northern Arkansas.  Where severe storms develop, the main concerns will be damaging winds and hail, and there may be isolated tornadoes.

Quarter to three quarter inch precipitation totals are in the forecast, with up to an inch in the north. This will not be enough to make existing high water issues (i.e. elevated rivers/saturated soil) worse.

Over 75 million people in central US at risk of severe weather outbreak - Accuweather

At least 15 states will be at risk of an outbreak of violent thunderstorms that will unleash everything from damaging winds to tornadoes on Friday, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. The area highlighted by forecasters is a massive swath of the country that extends from Texas to Alabama in the South to areas farther north such as Wisconsin and Michigan.

The AccuWeather forecast team raised Friday’s risk of severe weather from moderate to a high level prior to the middle of the week, a sign of growing concern for the potential damage the storms could cause.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/over-75-million-people-in-central-us-at-risk-of-severe-weather-outbreak/1504845

Severe weather risk for the ArkLaTex Friday

Showers and thunderstorms this morning will decrease in coverage before redevelopment later this afternoon. A squall line is then expected to sweep across the state.with the possibility of strong tornadoes with the best chances over the southeast. 

In addition to the severe threat, flooding is a concern. Several inches of rain fell across parts of northwest Arkansas last night with additional widespread rain expected. The precipitation is expected to exit the state late this evening.

Severe weather risk for Arkansas Thursday and Friday

A strong storm system is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to the state Thursday through Friday night. Some of these storms could become strong to severe. In addition to the threat for severe weather, there is also a threat for flooding due to the expected heavy rainfall. Please see the attached briefing for more details.

There is a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorm late on Thursday into early Friday, along and mainly north of our I-30 corridor. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats and locally heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding.

Locally heavy rainfall from a line of strong to possibly severe thunderstorms, could result in isolated flash flooding late Thursday into early Friday with the Slight Risk north of our I-30 corridor.

There is a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorm late on Thursday into early Friday, along and mainly north of our I-30 corridor. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats and locally heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding.

Locally heavy rainfall from a line of strong to possibly severe thunderstorms, could result in isolated flash flooding late Thursday into early Friday with the Slight Risk north of our I-30 corridor.

A line of strong to severe storms will continue across the area during early Friday with afternoon heating firing up a Slight Risk for severe storms in deep E TX, all of our Parishes and south central AR during the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats and locally heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding.

Severe Weather expected this afternoon and overnight for the ArkLaTex

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

TORNADO WATCH 57 REMAINS VALID UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS UNION, IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS COLUMBIA HEMPSTEAD HOWARD LAFAYETTE NEVADA, IN LOUISIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 PARISHES IN NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA LINCOLN UNION IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA BIENVILLE BOSSIER CADDO CLAIBORNE DE SOTO NATCHITOCHES RED RIVER SABINE WEBSTER

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Little River County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Hempstead County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Northern Miller County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Howard County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Central Bowie County in northeastern Texas...

* Until 1045 PM CST.

* At 943 PM CST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near De Queen to near Horatio to 6 miles west of
  Richmond to 6 miles south of New Boston, moving east at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated. Numerous trees and power lines have been
           downed with these storms across McCurtain County
           Oklahoma. Roof damage has been reported as well.

  IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to
           mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include...
  Texarkana, De Queen, Wake Village, Ashdown, Nashville, New Boston,
  Mineral Springs, Dierks, Horatio, Foreman, Umpire, Nash, Hooks,
  Redwater, Red Lick, Lockesburg, Wilton, Blevins, Tollette and
  Fulton.

A Moderate Risk (red) and an Enhanced Risk (orange) remains in place across the region for today and tonight. All modes of severe weather will be possible (tornadoes, hail, wind). Remember, NOW is the time to prepare, don't wait for warnings to be issued before taking action!

Severe weather is likely across the entire region Thursday afternoon, especially in the northwest half of the region, continuing into the overnight hours. The above graphic shows the different tornado, severe hail, and severe wind outlooks. Areas in the significant hatched area have the best chances to see strong EF2 or greater tornadoes, damaging winds of 70-80 mph and hail 2" in diameter or greater.

Areas of prolonged rainfall may result in flooding and flash flooding over the next few days. A Flash Flood Watch will go into effect at 6PM this evening, and remain in effect through Noon Friday.

A Wind Advisory will go into effect at noon today and continue through noon on Friday. South to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 45 mph possible.

Weather radar at 8:45 pm Thursday

Go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the Tornado Watch and Flood Watch.

TORNADO WATCH 55 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM CST FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN ARKANSAS. COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE: LITTLE RIVER, MILLER, AND SEVIER

...FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... A widespread severe weather outbreak appears to be possible this afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours. There will be two main chances for severe weather. The first will come during the early or mid-afternoon hours when we have the potential for discrete supercells. This would pose a threat of large hail and strong tornadoes. The second round will come along just ahead of an advancing cold front that will push through during the late afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours. The main threat for this round will be damaging wind gusts and embedded tornadoes. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall will be possible from training storms, increasing the potential for Flash Flooding.

Thunderstorms will become numerous this afternoon and continue into tonight, with widespread severe weather likely across much of the region. The greatest risk for severe weather will exist along and east of Highway 281 during the day, shifting east of the I-35 corridor during the evening hours. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes.

ACCUWEATHER

Thunderstorms on Thursday will erupt from the afternoon into the nighttime hours from Texas through the Ark-La-Tex region and into the lower Mississippi Valley.

This will be the peak of the severe weather risk this week, with AccuWeather forecasters warning of a rare 'high risk' for severe thunderstorms across parts of northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, northern Louisiana and a large portion of Arkansas. This threat area includes the cities of Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Damaging hail, perhaps as large as golf or tennis balls, and a few powerful tornadoes will be possible.

Storm chasers, such as extreme meteorologist Reed Timmer, were gathering in the high-risk area early on Thursday, ahead of the expected formation of tornadoes late in the day.

A much wider part of the country, spanning more than a dozen states and extending from southern Texas to Kentucky, can also experience strong thunderstorms that also could produce damaging wind gusts that bring down trees and power lines, as well as flooding downpours that could imperil motorists.

Severe Weather to affect Arkansas Wednesday and Thursday

An active weather pattern is underway with the first round of severe weather expected this afternoon through tonight. An additional round of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon through the early morning hours on Friday. Severe weather types include damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.

The threat for flash flooding will increase across the central and northern portions of the state over the next few days.

Please see the attached briefing for more details.

National Weather Service in Little Rock, AR

Hazardous weather outlook for Arkansas Wednesday night into Thursday morning

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Arkansas,
southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Thunderstorms are expected later today into tonight. A few storms
could be severe. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes
will be possible. In addition, locally heavy rainfall may lead to
more minor flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Thunderstorms will continue into early Thursday. A few storms could
be severe. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will be
possible. In addition, locally heavy rainfall may lead to more minor
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

Rain may return to the region late Monday and early Tuesday morning,
however, no hazardous weather is expected with next week`s activity
at this time.