Little Rock, Arkansas - A series of powerful tornadoes that swept through several states in the Midwest and South of the United States, caused widespread destruction and killing at least five people and injuring dozens of others.
The tornadoes caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and other structures in Little Rock and other areas to the east and northeast of the state capital. Roofs and walls were sheared off, vehicles were flipped over, and trees and power lines were uprooted, creating hazardous conditions for residents and emergency responders.
The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for several counties in Arkansas and other states, advising people to take shelter immediately.
In response to the disaster, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and activated the state's National Guard to assist with search and rescue efforts, as well as the cleanup and recovery process.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there were five confirmed dead in the state.
"Right now, we have five confirmed fatalities. We have a couple of others that have been reported, but we do not have confirmation from local law enforcement on the ground. And, so, awaiting that. But right now, statewide, we have five confirmed fatalities," she said.
Four fatalities in Arkansas were reported in Wynne, about 100 miles (160 km) east of Little Rock, Cross County Coroner Eli Long said.
President Joe Biden also offered federal support, speaking with Governor Sanders and other local officials to offer aid and resources to help those affected by the storms. Biden also spoke with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell to ensure that FEMA resources are available to support the response and recovery efforts.
Huckabee Sanders said Biden and the Homeland Security secretary had offered a tremendous amount of support in phone calls on Saturday.
"Anything that Arkansas needs, they have assured us that those resources will be here and on the ground," she said at a news conference.
The severe weather was not limited to Arkansas, however, as thunderstorms and tornadoes also struck other states in the Midwest and South, causing additional damage and loss of life. In Belvidere, Illinois, a roof collapsed at a theater during a heavy metal concert, killing one person and injuring dozens more. In Sullivan County, Indiana, three people lost their lives due to the severe weather, and other reports indicated additional fatalities in Alabama and Mississippi.
The turbulent weather occurred one week after a swarm of thunderstorms unleashed a deadly tornado that devastated the Mississippi town of Rolling Fork, destroying many of the community's 400 homes and killing 26 people.