Shortly after noon on Thursday, storms in Lawrence County caused one death and created widespread damage across the entire county. Fire Departments were busy all afternoon with trees across power lines, trees on houses and damage caused by high winds. Unofficial stats from the National Weather Service placed the winds in excess of 80 Mph.
At least two accidents with injuries were reported during the storm to the Lawrence County Dispatch, Ravenden Police and Fire work an accident with three injuries along with a fatality in Black Rock where a tree fell on a vehicle occupied by it’s driver, killing her.
In Imboden, several trees were down and power was knocked out to some residents, at least two home were damaged by falling trees. In Ravenden several trees were down, firefighters closed a section of 1st street due to storm damage. Hoxie Fire Department reported trees on power lines, a home in Minturn also had a tree fall onto it’s roof. In the Smithville area at least on roof was destroyed on Rowsey Road with several downed trees in the area.
Sheriff Jody Dotson, Judge Dale Freeman and the Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services immediately began touring the damaged areas Thursday afternoon. Judge Freeman dispatched road crews out into the county to clear debris while workers from Craighead Electric and Entergy were restoring power. Firefighters from the Black Rock and Lynn Fire Departments helped clear Hwy 25 after heavy debris fell and blocked the highway.
For more information on the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com .
