PRAIRIE GROVE, Ark. — Prairie Grove officials are assessing damage after a storm blew through in the early morning hours of Oct. 31.
Mayor David Faulk posted to the city's Facebook page in the immediate aftermath that first responders, utility workers, and city employees were locating damage. At the same time, the Prairie Grove Police Department shared reports of "serious damage."
Faulk later said that damage was reported in the Prairie Meadows, Snyder Grove, South Mock, South Neal, and Sundowner areas, with most parts of the city out of power.
The mayor said that as of 2:15 a.m. no injuries or deaths were attributed to the storm and only property damage was reported, adding that the FEMA gym at the elementary school was open.
Faulk explained that it may be morning before all damage can be accessed and he urged against "sightseeing," saying that it adds to issues with clearing streets and getting crews to areas of need.
As of 4:15 a.m., in his most recent update to the city's Facebook page, Faulk said that all roads in the city except for Cleveland Street in between Neal and Pittman had been cleared in time for residents' morning commute.
Faulk said that utility crews were attempting to restore power and that more damage could be better assessed in daylight, adding that city crews would be out in the morning to help with debris cleanup. The power was restored for the majority of residents at around 10 a.m.
Faulk said he has been speaking with local and state leaders to get assistance for the city. He also informed that the Red Cross is mobilizing a disaster program specialist to send help to the affected area. The mayor said this will help with the immediate assistance to the storm victims. As of 2 p.m. there is no timeframe on when that help will arrive, but Faulk said he would provide an update when it is available.
In the meantime, the mayor asks that residents separate debris from limbs and trees and place it on the curbside, where crews will pick it up in the following days.
"We pray for those homeowners who are waking up to property damage. These are the times in which victims find hope in the help they receive from their neighbors," Faulk said.
The mayor also thanked first responders, city workers, and utility crews.
Prairie Grove affected by storms
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