Our news partner 5Online is reporting damage from cities and communities across NWA after multiple radar confirmed tornadoes blew through Benton County in the early morning hours of May 26.
The Rogers Police Department reported on Facebook that emergency services are working to assess damage, with multiple confirmations of downed trees and power lines across the city. Entrapments and gas leaks are also being reported and responded to. RPD reports that Dixieland is blocked in the 2100 block of S Dixieland and 800 block. "Keep in mind our police, fire, and 911 operators are trying to respond as fast as possible, but we have multiple locations to get to," RPD said on Facebook. The RPD Facebook has been providing city-wide updates throughout the early morning hours, urging residents to be careful of downed power lines and mindful of road closures and traffic devices.
Gas Leaks In Rogers
RPD adds that Black Hills Energy technicians are responding to gas leak calls in Benton County. The Rogers Police Department has worked diligently overnight to respond to multiple areas of need in the city after severe weather tore through the area. Emergency crews from surrounding areas have stepped in to help including Springdale, Bella Vista and Fayetteville Fire Departments. Officials warn customers that if they smell natural gas, they should leave their homes immediately and call 911. They also say to leave the door of their house open and, while away from their homes, immediately call Black Hills Energy's emergency service line at 888-890-5554.
Customers are advised not to use their phones to call when they are inside their homes. If customers smell the leak outside, RPD advises to avoid the following:
- Turning electrical devices on or off.
- Don't use anything with flame or anything that could cause a spark.
- Do not start any vehicle.
- Those without power should not use anything with a flame.
RPD said, "The fire department is responding as fast as they can."
Debbie Griffin, a spokesperson with the City of Bentonville, said that the city and emergency services are requesting residents stay off the roads while damage is being assessed. "We also have multiple power lines down and ask people to stay clear of all power lines," Griffin said.
Benton County Power Outages
At around 3:30 a.m., over 73,000 customers in Benton and County were impacted after numerous outages had been reported, impacting customers of Carroll Electric, Bentonville Light and Water, and other providers.Benton County Emergency Management confirmed that trees and powerlines were down in Decatur just minutes after confirming a tornado on the ground.
At 6:30 a.m., that number climbed up to more than 79,000 after power outages were also reported in Madison and Carroll Counties.
Carroll Electric sent the following release regarding the company activating an emergency response plan after the storms:
"A line of severe storms occurred on May 26, 2024, and has left thousands of Carroll Electric customers without power in its service area. Presently, over 40,000 customers are without service. The majority of these customers are located in Benton County, Arkansas. At this time, Carroll Electric has enacted its Emergency Restoration Plan, which means the utility is utilizing every resource available to restore power safely in the shortest time possible. Internal crews are working towards restoration. Contractors and neighboring electric utilities are being contacted to assist with restoration efforts."
Power Outages
See the latest power outages or report an outage to Ozarks Electric Coop here
SWEPCO Customers can check for power outages or report an outage here
See the Carroll County Electric Co-Op Outage Map here and CCEC customers can report an outage here