Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began impacting the state on April 2, 2025.
The declaration, which remains in effect until April 16, addresses the widespread damage and disruptions caused by the extreme weather.
According to the emergency order, the storms have caused significant hardship for residents, leading to downed power lines, property damage, and dangerous road conditions.
The declaration allows for regulatory suspensions to expedite the transportation of heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, and other materials needed for power restoration.
Emergency response vehicles, including utility trucks and bucket trucks, are also granted exemptions to bypass Arkansas Department of Transportation weigh stations while responding to storm-related damage.
The emergency order also invokes the governor’s executive authority to suspend any state regulations that could hinder recovery efforts.
State agencies have been directed to assist the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management in coordinating the response.
The emergency declaration remains in effect until April 16, unless modified or extended. Further updates on storm recovery efforts are expected as assessments continue.