Severe weather spawns tornados, floods roads in Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Oklahoma
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Severe weather rolled through Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma spawning tornadoes and flooding roads on Nov. 4.
There were three confirmed tornadoes in the area. One dropped in Adair County, west of Siloam Springs. Another dropped south of Siloam Springs along Highway 59. A third tornado dropped in the Little Flock area around 4:50 p.m. in Benton County.
Little Flock Mayor Jeff Van Sickler says there were no fatalities or reported injuries from the tornado that hit the town, but there are damaged homes.
The mayor says the path of the storm appears to start around Dixieland Road and Acron Drive with a northeast track that crosses into N. 13th Street, then towards the eastern portions of Little Flock Drive and into the Homewoods Drive area.
Black Hills Energy says its technicians are responding to the tornado damage in the area of N. 13 Street in Little Flock where several homes were damaged. It says there were also downed tree limbs and damaged natural gas equipment.
Black Hills says technicians are making repairs, surveying for leaks and shutting off natural gas service when necessary for the safety of customers and the public.
The energy company urges customers to inspect their natural gas meters for storm damage and monitor for flooding near natural gas appliances to prevent pilot lights from going out.
Van Sickler says to his knowledge, Little Flock's roads are open, gas leaks are contained and electricity is restored. The true extent of the damage may not be fully known for a few more days, and the city should have clearer picture of the damage in the morning.
The Rogers Police Department advises drivers to stay away from the area of Dixieland Road and Hudson Road due to damage in the area. Crews are in the area cleaning up tree limbs and twisted metal.
Rogers police say Rainbow Road is flooded and impassable near the intersection with Northgate Road.
In Siloam Springs, the storms knocked out power across the city, damaged power lies and spread debris throughout the roadways. Fire crews had to clear the roadways with chainsaws. There is also localized flooding in the area.
Siloam Springs Fire Chief Dustin Kindell says the majority of the damage was in the southern portion of the city like on Keck Road and River Valley Road.
With severe weather potential still tonight Kindell reminds people to remain diligent and aware.
"If you have any emergencies, call 911. Keep monitoring your weather radios. Keep tuning into your weather stations. Watching that weather. Be ready for it. Be weather-ready," Kindell said.
The city says the issues are being addressed by the level of safety and importance.
Live coverage of the storms and their aftermath continues here.