A severe storm system ripped through Arkansas overnight, leaving three people dead in Independence County and at least 29 others injured across eight counties. As officials continue to assess the extensive damage in 16 counties, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and authorized disaster relief funds to assist with storm-related damages. Homes and businesses were damaged, while fallen trees and downed power lines were reported in multiple areas. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate response efforts, and sixteen counties have reported varying levels of damage. The governor’s executive orders also suspend certain regulations for emergency response vehicles and commercial carriers transporting power restoration equipment, allowing utility trucks and other vehicles to bypass state weigh stations and exempting commercial drivers from federal hours-of-service regulations to aid in the recovery efforts. The numbers are preliminary and will likely increase as damage assessments continue. Authorities are urging residents to stay safe and be cautious as they deal with the aftermath of the destructive storms that have swept through the state.
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