Storm Prediction Center has issued a HIGH RISK for Arkansas for this evening, with a high threat for tornadoes. The above graphic indicates the highest tornado threat currently.
PEOPLE IN AND NEAR ARKANSAS NEED TO HAVE YOUR WEATHER RADIOS ON, AND TUNED IN TO LIVE NEWS SOURCES NOW!
Numerous tornadic storms are across Arkansas right now. They are fast moving, most likely concealed in rain and darkness. DO NOT HESITATE TO TAKE SHELTER if you are put under a TORNADO WARNING.
One particular tornadic storm is threatening Little Rock right now, and has reportedly already caused damage and injuries in the East End area south of Little Rock.
I’ll update this post as I have more info.
04/30/10 8:46PM CDT UNCONFIRMED: Fatalities reported in Conway and Van Buren Counties.
04/30/10 8:56 PM CDT I40 closed near county line of Lonoke/Polaski County line on east side of Little Rock due to debris on hwy.
04/30/10 9:01 PM CDT Arkansas Emergency Management confirming 3 fatalities in Scotland in Van Buren County. Also 25 serious injuries and countless minor injuries. They report this is the most serious damage they are aware of at this time.
04/30/10 9:16 PM CDT East End, AR near Little Rock is confirmed hit hard by tornado. Fire Dept. was hit. Likely the only FD there, as it’s a small community. Fire truck was damaged and trapped in the station. Firefighters took shelter in the bathroom and survived. Major gas leak in the area.
04/30/10 9:27 PM CDT Polaski County Sheriff’s Office reports major damage in the SE part of the county near 530. Reporting houses destroyed but not injuries or fatalaties at this time.
04/30/10 9:43 PM CDT Image of Fire Department in East End, AR
04/30/10 10:29 PM CDT National Guard has been dispatched to East End, AR. More tornadic storms headed directly at that area now!
04/30/10 10:54 PM CDT Saline County multiple homes were damaged, some people were trapped, 8 injured, 1 critical. Trees are hindering access to damage.
04/30/10 11:09 PM CDT Forestry Crews are being dispatched to the hardest hit areas because of so much tree damage causing difficulty for emergency crews getting to the area.
04/30/10 11:25 PM CDT EM from Conway County, AR reporting damage in that county is confined to the north and west part of the county. A door to door search is being done in the Center Ridge area.
04/30/10 11:30 PM CDT National Guard deploying 50 troops to Scotland and 50 to East End, AR to help with search and rescue and security.
05/01/10 12:48 AM CDT All tornado warnings for Arkansas have finally expired. This concludes the ongoing updates for this blog post.
