Ouachita and Calhoun Counties saw significant damage with downed power lines and trees after strong winds ravaged the area from heavy thunderstorms early Friday morning.
In Camden, the storm caused the stoplight at Topper Hill to stop working and trees down at Progress Street between Adams Ave and the railroad tracks, Avon Street between Pierce Street and North Street, Cedar Street and Cash Road between California Avenue and Believers Church.
In Calhoun County, straight-line winds blew through Hampton causing property damage, including roofs removed from buildings and businesses, and downed trees and power lines, said Calhoun County Chief Deputy Daniel Foster. The storm came through Hampton about 5 a.m. with high winds and rain, even some hail in areas.
Foster reported the Harrell community in Calhoun County had most of the property damage, however, there were also damage to the elementary school roof, several restaurants' roofs, and a tire shop lost one side of the building.
No injuries or casualties were reported during the storm, and as of Friday afternoon, most of the damage to buildings and businesses was cleaned up, according to Foster.
Local fire departments aided with clean up of the county. Habitat for Humanity in Little Rock is on standby for help with fixing property damage.
"The community has come together well, and I believe we are on the downhill side of it, with just property damage needing to be fixed," Foster said. "We just need prayers at this point."
After the storm, Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation reported 25,000 without power in Arkansas, with most being in Arkansas and Calhoun Counties. There are still about 900 without power as of press time, mostly in Bradley and Calhoun Counties, according to Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Senior Director of Corporate Communications Rob Roedel.
Restoring efforts will continue until dark and resume in the morning, Roedel said, and reminded everyone of the upcoming extremely cold winter spell through the weekend and some of next week.
With impending cold temperatures and bad weather being forecast next week, the following warming centers have been set up in Camden: Camden Police Department lobby, Ouachita County Sheriff Office Lobby, District Court and Victory Church will be open 24 hours for those needing shelter. The city encourages all residents unless you are a member of emergency personnel or traveling to work to stay home until it is safe to be out.