Federal disaster declaration issued for 12 Arkansas counties

LITTLE ROCK— President Barack Obama has declared a disaster for a dozen Arkansas counties affected by severe weather in early March.

The White House announced the disaster declaration Friday for Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Desha, Lincoln, Ouachita, Phillips, and Prairie counties. The declaration allows federal aid for emergency work and repairs or replacement to buildings damaged in the stormy weather from March 8-13.

Severe storms, tornadoes, strong winds and flooding hit much of the state during that period. Gov. Asa Hutchinson previously issued a state disaster declaration for the affected areas.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said additional disaster declarations may be issued as damage assessments continue.

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