LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Many Arkansans got their first look Saturday at the damage left behind after strong storms brought tornadoes through the state.
Devastation was seen from West Little Rock through North Little Rock to Jacksonville, Arkansas after a suspected tornado cut a path of more than 40 miles Friday afternoon.
Homes and businesses were destroyed, thousands were left without power, and at least five people were killed. One of those deaths was in North Little Rock; the other four in Wynne, Arkansas.
At least 24 people were taken to the hospital, according to Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency in the state, approving approximately 100 Arkansas National Guardsmen to assist first responders as they tend to Friday's storm damage.
In a Saturday morning news conference, while standing side-by-side with the mayor, and in front of wreckage the storm left behind in Little Rock, Gov. Sanders said that she talked with both the Homeland Security secretary and President Joe Biden who have offered 'a tremendous amount of support'.
"Anything Arkansas needs they have assured us that those resources will be here and on the ground," Gov. Sanders said. "
Here's a look at what damage in specific areas:
West Little Rock
Numerous homes and businesses were heavily damaged in West Little Rock.
THV11 Meteorologist Skov Covert was in the Breckinridge Village area Saturday morning, which he described as a "disaster zone".
In a Saturday morning news conference, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. said that 2100 residents within the western and southwestern portions of Little Rock were impacted by the tornado.
Scott said that anyone in need of shelter should head to Hall High School.
Scott said donations could be made to the following:
Pulaski County
Pulaski County declared its own state of emergency Friday afternoon.
"This declaration allows the County to receive support from the State and allows the municipalities to declare emergencies so they can receive support from the State," the county said on its website.
County officials continued to ask people to stay off its roads as storm cleanup continued.
Jacksonville appeared to be one of the areas hardest hit by Friday's storms.
The county posted these shelters available to those displaced by the storms:
Wynne, Arkansas
As of Saturday morning, there were four confirmed deaths in the eastern Arkansas town of Wynne, according to the St. Francis County coroner.
Significant damage was seen in the town, including impacts to both the elementary and high schools.
While the curfew was lifted Saturday morning, emergency officials urged people to avoid the area unless they are directly requested.
Arkansas power outages
Thousands remained without power on Saturday morning. Click here for the latest information.
How to help
Below you will find links to several local nonprofits that will help the people in need most in the aftermath.
You can also check for FEMA assistance and resources by clicking here.
