KATV content partner Region 8 News reports that a tornado touched down in the Jonesboro area on Saturday afternoon.
According to Jonesboro E-911 Director Jeff Presley, the Mall at Turtle Creek received damage and authorities were doing search and rescue in the area.
Chief Rick Elliott with the Jonesboro Police Department said that there were at least six injuries.
There were several overturned vehicles and officials have set up a command center in the area. The area of Caraway Road and Race Street in Jonesboro appeared to take a direct hit from the tornado.
A roof also collapsed in northeast Jonesboro, while a gas leak was reported in east Jonesboro. Craighead Electric also reported their Farville substation was out due to the storms.
According to ArDOT, there was a train derailment northwest of Brookland around 6 p.m.
The following places in Jonesboro have received substantial damage due to the tornado.
-Cheddar’s Restaurant on Red Wolf
-Gateway Tire on Caraway Road
-Doty Realty on Caraway Road
-Magic Touch on Caraway Road
-Ulta store on Caraway Road
-Wildwood subdivision in Jonesboro
-Kirkland’s
-Best Buy in Jonesboro
-The Mall at Turtle Creek
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin has issued a citywide curfew for 7 p.m. The National Guard is coming to help secure the area.
Jonesboro City Communications Director Bill Campbell said there is a lot of damage and it is too early to report injuries, but some people are being taken to the hospital.
The city has set up four shelters for people to use. They include University Heights, Fox Meadow and Nettleton STEAM Schools as well as Journey Church on Disciple Drive in Jonesboro.
The JETS bus system will be transporting people to shelters, city officials said.