Apr 22, 2025

In the Wake of the Storm: Summit Utilities Teams Rally to Support Northeast Arkansas Communities

On March 14, 2025, a series of powerful tornadoes and severe windstorms swept through Northeastern Arkansas, bringing devastation to communities across the region. The storms caused widespread destruction, tragic loss of life, and left many without power or essential services. Several cities served by Summit Utilities, Inc. (Summit), including Cave City, Diaz, Jacksonport, Newport, Black Rock, and Paragould, were among the hardest-hit areas.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF3 tornado in the Cave City area, with wind speeds exceeding 165 miles per hour. In total, at least 13 lives were lost—ten in Missouri and three in Arkansas—as homes and businesses across the region were damaged or destroyed.

Summit Responds with Urgency and Care

Approximately 100 customers experienced service disruptions. Summit responded quickly, resolving more than 20 gas emergencies and identifying over 30 additional locations for remediation to prevent future damage.

“I’m always proud of the way our teams support each other and the communities we serve,” said Keith Cragg, Director of Operations for the Arkansas North Region. “The commitment, focus, and effort everyone displays during times like these are shining reflections of our mission and values in action. I am continuously and immeasurably grateful.”

Cragg highlighted the immediate and coordinated response of the Batesville/Searcy and Jonesboro/Walnut Ridge teams, as well as the ongoing work from the Line Locating and Leak Survey teams. Contract Services also played a key role by bringing in additional resources to manage service retirements, while dozens of employees volunteered across the region to provide support wherever it was needed.

Personal Stories of Strength and Service

The storm didn’t just affect the communities Summit serves—it also impacted members of the Summit team. Jerry Davis, Construction and Maintenance Crew Leader, was among those personally affected when his daughter’s home was lost in the tornado. Despite the personal toll, Davis worked long hours to help restore service and support customers and neighbors during the recovery efforts.

Carrie Collins, Manager of Operations and a Jonesboro resident, was onsite for cleanup and community support. She plays a key role in organizing volunteer initiatives across Summit Utilities, Inc., including the company’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, which provides team members with 20 hours of paid time annually to give back to their communities.

Reflecting on the response, Collins shared, “When tornadoes and high winds occur in the area, our field employees never fail to answer the call to action.” Having supported several tornado recovery efforts herself, she described the experience as a powerful transformation— “every step of restoration proves to be an ash to beauty outcome”—and praised Summit employees for serving customers safely and compassionately, even in the most difficult moments.

Standing Together for Recovery

To support broader recovery efforts, Summit Utilities, Inc. donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross. The organization provides emergency shelter, food, health services, emotional support, and long-term recovery assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters.

In the aftermath of the storm, Summit team members came together in extraordinary ways—responding swiftly to emergencies, supporting one another, and helping neighbors recover and rebuild. Though the damage was widespread, the response from the Summit team was marked by compassion, urgency, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves.

If you're experiencing service interruptions, we are here to help — contact our customer service team at 800-992-7552. If you smell gas, which has a distinct rotten egg odor, please leave the area immediately. Once you’re in a safe location, call 911 and then contact our customer service team at 800-992-7552.