ROGERS, Ark. — Anybody looking to go out on the lake over the weekend may want to keep an eye out for storm debris caused by tornadoes that swept through the area on May 26, killing at least four, injuring others, damaging countless homes, and knocking out power for tens of thousands of residents.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) advises boaters to "slow down, wear life jackets, use depth finders," and avoid getting too close to the shoreline due to floating debris that could be just under the waterline.
After a request from Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, President Biden approved a request for a disaster declaration, which grants more support for the state following the storms.
USACE also reminds residents of two public programs they're offering:
- Hazardous tree removal:
- Residents can apply online to have a ranger come clear hazardous vegetative debris that might be blocking them from accessing their dock
- Dock replacement:
- USACE is answering questions about docks that need replacement or repair after the storms.
Benton County has created a new website containing all information about reporting damage, removing debris, volunteering, community resources, or facility closures— click here for more details.
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.