NWS: EF2 Tornado hits Hot Springs Village, causes extensive damage

Little Rock (KATV) — A severe storm touched down in Hot Springs Village Thursday evening, leaving trees felled, homes destroyed, and power lines downed.

Data from the general manager of Hot Springs Village states that close to 2500 trees fell during the storm.

There was a minor injury reported with a woman falling on her porch and no deaths.

100 energy crews are restoring power to the area with crews from Saline and Garland county assisting. Roads inside the village are blocked off while crews are in the area.

Saline County Judge Matt Brumley declared a Disaster Emergency Proclamation.

The storm was so powerful that it was able to plant a tree in the middle of Fresno Road in Hot Springs Village.

The storm brought more than a tornado with it, afflicting some areas with baseball-sized hail and flash flooding.

Our Emma Allen spoke with Kelly Hale, the city manager of Hot Springs Village, who reports that 2,500 people in the area had their access to power impacted last night.

The total extent of the damage is still being surveyed, but it appears significant damage to homes was done. There is at least one confirmed case of a roof caving in due to a felled tree.

Hundreds of trees are reportedly down, and Hale said that outside agencies have been called in to help clear the damage.

We have called the Garland County Sheriff's Office to verify information regarding storm damage and are awaiting a response.

Early this afternoon, the National Weather Service confirmed that the storm produced an EF2 tornado.