LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today declared Howard, Polk and Sevier Counties state disaster areas due to damage caused by last night's severe storms. Additional declarations may follow as damage assessments continue in affected counties.

Fifty Arkansas National Guardsmen are now in the Mena area helping with search-and-rescue operations. Governor Beebe will tour the damage in Polk County by air and on the ground at around 2:00 this afternoon.

Arkansas 2-1-1 stands ready to help storm victims who need information about disaster services, as well as Arkansans who wish to volunteer or to provide help. The call to 2-1-1 is free.