LITTLE ROCK – The City of Little Rock’s response to Friday’s devastating storm ramped up on Saturday as the community joined together to help its neighbors, and affected residents began the long road to recovery.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. will declare a State of Emergency in the City of Little Rock, the initial step toward receiving federal and state disaster aid. In a telephone call with President Joe Biden, the president pledged federal support to the City. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has also committed state support.

More than 50 people were injured in Friday afternoon’s tornado in Little Rock, preliminarily categorized as an EF3 by the National Weather Service, with winds in excess of 165 mph. There are no known fatalities in Little Rock.

About 2,648 structures were impacted.

Mayor Scott joined Gov Sanders today to survey some of the hardest-hit areas and visit with impacted residents.

“Yesterday, a catastrophic storm tore through our neighborhoods, injuring dozens and damaging thousands of structures. It was a heartbreaking day for our community, but we are exceedingly grateful there is no reported loss of life,” Mayor Scott said.

“Less than 24 hours after the storm, as I walked through ravaged neighborhoods, I heard from courageous, resilient survivors who will recover and rebuild. I’ve never had more faith and confidence in the strength of our community than I do today. We are Little Rock strong.”

Thousands of Little Rock residents, as well as even more individuals from the region and across the country, have reached out to see how they can help.

• Donations are being accepted through the Little Rock Cares Emergency Relief Fund. Tax-exempt donations to the fund will be used to support those affected by the tornado. 
• The City is accepting donations of water and nonperishable food items at the Little Rock Fire Training Academy, 7000 Murray Drive. Donations are accepted daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Volunteers seeking to assist in recovery and cleanup efforts are encouraged to sign up at www.littlerock.gov/volunteer. The City will begin facilitating volunteer placement after completing a full assessment of the extent of damages.

Today, more than 115 city workers were in the affected areas to clear trees and debris from roadways. As of Saturday afternoon, all roadways in the City were clear to traffic, though motorists are advised not to travel in the areas affected by the tornado. Police and fire personnel are working overtime across the city, with additional staff allocated to the disaster areas. Little Rock Police are working 12-hour shifts, while firefighters are on 24-hour shifts during the emergency.

Entergy Arkansas reported about 16,000 Little Rock customers were still without power as of Saturday afternoon.

In addition:

• An emergency shelter has been opened by the American Red Cross at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road. The temporary shelter at Hall High School closes at 5 p.m. today, as residents there have been transitioned to other temporary housing.
• Rock Region Metro is offering free bus rides throughout the weekend.
• Free meals are being provided at Wolfe Street Center, 1015 Louisiana St.

The City of Little Rock will continue updating residents throughout the weekend. Please follow City of Little Rock on Facebook and Twitter for the latest, most up-to-date information.