Exclusive: Inside the Aftermath of Tornado-Ravaged Arkansas

Powerful storms and tornadoes recently ravaged five U.S. states killing at least 57 people. In this special report, this citizen journalist goes into the wreckage to get exclusive photos and interviews in a small town in Northeast Arkansas.

HIGHLAND, ARKANSAS -- Instead of watching coverage of the U.S. primaries this Super Tuesday, residents in at least five states were watching the weather. Severe storms were predicted and unfortunately, those predictions came true. Scores of tornadoes were reported, many of them doing serious damage. Sadly, some of the storms also proved fatal. Some reports say as many as 63 tornadoes struck in three states alone. For Highland, Arkansas, the good news was that no lives were lost. With a population of less than 1,000 people, most residents are very familiar with the area as well as with the other people who live there. Those who were spared damage or injury, still find the recovery process a painful one. Highland is about 18 miles south of the Missouri border, and just after the dinner hour on Feb. 5, a massive tornado ripped through the area, tearing apart homes, businesses and everything in its path. U.S. president George W. Bush declared a major disaster in Arkansas, ordering federal aid to be channeled to the state to help with the recovery. People in the Highland area tend to consider everyone a neighbor and they don’t like to see them suffer. Local churches and businesses were quick to offer help and support, donating time, manpower, equipment, and supplies. Following the tornado, church kitchens were filled with folks preparing food for first responders and volunteers. The Red Cross was on the scene followed by the Salvation Army. FEMA will be working to help people find safe housing and meet their material needs and will then begin assessing damage to business property. Highland mayor, Jerome Norwood, was kind enough to spare some time for an interview with this DigitalJournal.com citizen journalist, despite his obviously hectic schedule. Norwood says he will be meeting with FEMA today to discuss the recovery effort.

Homes and businesses destroyed along Highway 167. - Photo by S.H. Mills The men and women of local power companies have worked tirelessly since the storm to clear downed power lines and restore electricity. They could be seen along the highway, mere moments after the storm, securing damaged power lines, and they are still working, many with little rest. The Mayor was hopeful that most power would be restored by this weekend. One supervisor with Entergy, who declined to be identified, said more damage continues to be uncovered but crews are working to have power restored as quickly and safely as possible. Nearby towns were also quick to lend a hand in the relief effort. The Highland Fire Station was completely destroyed, and emergency vehicles and crews from surrounding areas arrived shortly after learning about the storm. The town of Marmaduke was devastated by a tornado nearly two years ago. Mayor Norwood said it was especially moving to look up and see a Marmaduke fire truck pulling up to offer assistance. The Paragould fire department has loaned Highland a fire truck.

Remains of sign that used to welcome shoppers to Midway Plaza. - Photo by S.H. Mills "95 per cent of the business district was destroyed," said Norwood. An entire shopping center, Midway Plaza, has been reduced to rubble. Many of the businesses that were not destroyed are heavily damaged. Several homes in the area also suffered damage and some were destroyed. An exact number has not yet been determined. According to some reports, the tornado destroyed or severely damaged about 40 businesses and 85 homes in the Highland and Ash Flat areas. Highland's business sector was hit hardest. People told stories of coming out from shelter only to look up and see sky where there was once a roof. Many appear to still be in shock. Most declined to be interviewed, yet quite a few shared their stories. The most common element of each story was the horrific noise people heard as the tornado descended upon them. It was certainly a frightening experience, and even the mayor was forced to ride out the storm by taking cover in a closet. He noted that while the damage was unbelievable, he is very proud of the way people have responded. He was very grateful that no lives were lost stating, “Things can be replaced. It’s not easy, but they can be. People cannot.” He has every hope that the businesses will recover and once again thrive, hopefully joined by new businesses in the future.

One of three vehicles that ended up inside Crispy Cone restaurant. - Photo by S.H. Mills A 7 p.m. curfew was put in place the night after the tornado, and Mayor Norwood said it will likely continue. When asked if it was due to looting or other crime, he said, “It’s more of a precautionary thing, for safety. There are still downed power lines and a great deal of debris.” He reiterated that he is very proud of the people in his community as well as the response from near and far. There were up to 90 tornadoes Tuesday evening, which sadly led to more than 50 fatalities, according to Accuweather.com. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by these storms.

Highland, Arkansas in Pictures:

What's left of a strip mall beside Midway Plaza. - Photo by S.H. Mills

What was once a storefront on the outside tier of Midway Plaza. - Photo by S.H. Mills

Damage could be seen as far as 10 miles away from where the tornado touched down. - Photo by S.H. Mills

Stairs leading to a top floor that is no longer there (Midway Plaza). - Photo by S.H. Mills

Another view of Midway Plaza. - Photo by S.H. Mills

Downed power lines are still seen in many locations (the sign for the high school can be seen in the distance, and school resumed today). - Photo by S.H. Mills

This view is the inner courtyard of Midway Plaza. - Photo by S.H. Mills

Debris can be seen hanging in trees near the touchdown point and for miles around. - Photo by S.H. Mills

The dining room of Crispy Cone (look closely to see parts of vehicle from other photos). - Photo by S.H. Mills

Cars were thrown from the road here in Highland as well as in Ash Flat. - Photo by S.H. Mills

Electric crews have not stopped working since moments after the tornado hit. - Photo by S.H. Mills