Little Rock, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 23, 2025 — President Donald Trump declared a Major Disaster for Arkansas in response to the April 2 storms and flooding, the Governor’s office announced Friday morning.
Gov. Sarah Sanders submitted a request for a Major Disaster Declaration two days after storms tore through the area.
Joint local, state, and federal damage assessments for the April 2 storms continued through the end of April, according to a news release from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. After assessments were complete, a Major Disaster Declaration was submitted to the president’s office.
“President Trump stands with Arkansas. As we recover from a long series of severe weather events, our state is incredibly thankful for President Trump’s leadership and work to deliver aid to storm-impacted communities,” Sanders said in a news release. “I have had continued conversations with the Trump Administration and Secretary Noem about their plans to reform FEMA and look forward to working with them to save money and get assistance directly in the hands of disaster victims.”
As part of the Major Disaster declaration, Individual Assistance will be offered to Arkansans impacted by these storms and Public Assistance for county and local government expenses related to storm recovery.
An EF-3 tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service to have ripped through Craighead County, including Bay, Lake City and Monette. After the storms hit, the area faced severe flooding, resulting in multiple road closures and water rescues. Roads affected by flooding have reopened.
Shortly after the storms, Sanders announced the state received Direct Federal Assistance to “respond to this flooding more effectively.” The state and federal tax deadlines were also extended for those affected by storms.