At least 8 dead after tornado outbreak in Arkansas, Biden tells gov. feds ready to assist

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — At least eight people were killed and many more injured after multiple tornadoes ripped through parts of Arkansas.

Gov. Sarah Sanders, R-Ark., discussed the tornadoes and other severe weather with President Joe Biden, signed a state of emergency order, and authorized money to be used in recovery efforts for this weekend's storms.

"Bryan and I are praying for the communities impacted by last night’s storm and the families of the Arkansans we lost," Sanders said.

Monday, she visited Rogers to survey the damage caused by the Sunday tornadoes, along with Rep. Steve Womack and Sen. John Boozman.

They were also set to visit Decatur and Marion County to speak with local officials, impacted community members, and those who are working to aid people in need.

This marks the deadliest tornado event in Arkansas since April 27, 2014.

In Boone County, one of the victims was a 26-year-old woman who was found dead outside a destroyed home in Olvey, according to Daniel Bolen of the county’s emergency management office.

The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF3 tornado hit Boone County.

According to Arkansas State Police, at least three people are dead in Benton County.

Womack said during a press conference one person was a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. They died as a result of not having oxygen after losing power. Benton County Judge, Barry Moehring, said another victim died after a tree fell on their trailer.

Moehring says the county’s top priority is the multiple law enforcement, fire and EMS crews are responding to search and rescue and other life safety missions.

In Marion County, at least three other weather-related deaths have been reported. Several emergency shelters have been set up to help those displaced by storm damage.

Thousands remain without power and emergency crews continue search and rescue efforts.

Emergency officials are requesting people to stay off roads as much as possible in the affected areas.

Sanders' spokesperson Alexa Henning released this statement about her call with the president:

“This morning, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and President Joe Biden spoke by phone and discussed the catastrophic tornadoes and severe weather that affected Arkansans over the weekend. The Governor told the President she’s been on the ground in Northwest Arkansas since yesterday and is surveying the damage firsthand and offering comfort and support to those impacted. The President emphasized if there is anything the state needs to let him know and the federal government stands ready to assist. Governor Sanders thanked the President for the close coordination of his team last March and again this time for their commitment to aiding response and recovery efforts.”

And, President Biden released this statement on the recent weather:

"Jill and I are praying for those who tragically lost their lives as a result of devastating tornadoes that tore through Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, leveling entire communities and leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Our condolences are with everyone who has been affected. This comes as communities across the Midwest and South are still reeling from deadly storms and severe weather.

"We are immensely grateful to our first responders and emergency personnel who have been working around the clock to save lives. Our team is directly in touch with state and local officials. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been on the ground conducting damage assessments and we stand ready to provide support as needed.

"With more severe weather expected across the region, we urge residents to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of local officials."

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