A disaster declaration for the severe weather event on Monday, October 21st, 2019 allows Benton County and cities within to obtain assistance from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
Due to the severity and broad damage of Monday’s storm event, Benton County Judge Barry Moehring signed an Emergency Disaster Declaration on Monday, October 21st, 2019. Damage was primarily caused by high speed winds that toppled trees, power lines and also damaged structures.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that the high speeds winds were attributed to at least one tornado and straight-line winds.
The declaration allows Benton County and affected cities to request assistance from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) for un-insured public sector damages attributed to the storm and repair structures to pre-disaster conditions.
“Given the property damage I’ve seen from touring the impacted areas, I believe a declaration is appropriate,” said Benton County Judge Moehring. “If the monetary damages of the storm are significant enough, then we’ll be able to receive additional assistance for repairs.”
Rogers Mayor Greg Hines supported the declaration.
“The City of Rogers sustained substantial damage to structures and utilities and will have a major issue cleaning up and disposing of debris,” said Mayor Hines
“I want to particularly call-out the incredible work of fire and law enforcement agencies throughout Benton County who worked diligently to save and protect our citizens, and we mourn the one
death attributed to the event,” Moehring said.
During the event, nearly 80 road were closed in unincorporated Benton County and dozens more in various cities. Crews spent the night working to get roads safe and passable. All but approximately a dozen roads have been re-opened since the storm event.
For questions about this, please contact Channing Barker, Benton County Communications Director at (479) 721-3364.
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