LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Following the Governor’s conversations with Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery, Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens, Greene County Judge Rusty McMillon, Jackson County Judge Jeff Phillips, and Randolph County Judge Ben Wicker, the Governor’s spokesman Sam Dubke released the following statement:

“Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been in close contact with local officials impacted by last night’s tornadoes and has reached out directly to the leadership of affected counties to offer support. Last night, state emergency personnel were on the ground in these communities to offer support and assist with disaster response, and this morning, the Governor declared a State of Emergency and released $250,000 in state funds to further assist recovery efforts. The Governor promised county leaders her close support throughout the recovery process and offered her condolences for the Arkansans who were killed and injured in the storm.”