Storms damage homes, knock out power

LITTLE ROCK — At least four tornadoes were spotted in the state Wednesday night as storms swept through Arkansas. Several homes were damaged and many were without power Thursday morning.

In Cleburne County, one person died of injuries after a possible tornado destroyed a home in Pearson. Cleburne County Sheriff Marty Moss identified the man killed as 79-year-old Ward Baldridge. He said the storms severely injured Baldridge’s wife, Iva Jean, and their grandson Blake Baldridge, who is in his early 20s.

Near Searcy in Center Hill, morning's first light revealed many homes with heavy damage, and downed telephone poles and trees. Roads in Center Hill are mostly clear but destruction can be seen on both sides of Highway 36.

Lt. Scott Courtney of the Saline County sheriff's office said early Thursday that the fog in the Benton area was too dense to fully survey the damage. Courtney reported that about a dozen homes in Saline County were damaged but that no injuries were reported.

In White County, authorities say one person was hospitalized after a tornado moved Center Hill.

Entergy is reporting around 5,000 customers without power.

Damage reports included:

Saline County

Local Coordinator reported damages to one home in the Salem area and seven homes on Hwy 5 South between the 5000-6000 blocks. An estimated 10 homes are damaged around Hwy 298. There have been no reports of any injuries.

There are 18 homes with minor damage, two homes with major damage and two homes destroyed. The Salem Fire Department #4 has moderate damage; and numerous barns and sheds have damage. No shelters are set up at this time.

White County

A reported nine homes were damaged near the Center Hill community close to the Hwy 36/305 junction. The County Emergency Manager also confirmed damages to Center Hill Fire Department and the Center Hill Baptist Church. There was one injury.

There are 19 homes damaged total. Three were destroyed, three homes have major damages and 13 homes have minor damage. The Center Hill Fire Department and the Center Hill Baptist Church have also received minor damage. Albion community has three homes with minor damage. Two chicken houses have roof damage. The displaced residents are staying with family/friends, and there are no shelters open at this time.

Cleburne County

Local Coordinator reported two homes completely destroyed on Sawmill Road in Pearson. Most of the damages are near the Hwy 107/25 junction. There is one fatality and two injuries.

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