In Arkansas, more than 80,000 people are without power.

In Boone County, Arkansas at least 5,000 are in the dark including the Meyer’s family whose home is surrounded by downed trees.

"My parents heard it thump on our house," Norman Meyer says.

Trees crashing down were the least of the Omaha, Arkansas family’s problems.

Losing power meant Meyer’s father was starting to lose oxygen.

Meyer’s father is battling lung cancer.

"We were all paranoid that he wouldn't be able to breathe.” Mary Meyer says. “Then I was worried we wouldn’t make it to the hospital because the roads were so icy.”

The Meyer’s made it to the hospital but have to make tough decisions about what to do next.

"He's just sitting in the lobby and we aren't sure how long he can use the electricity there.” Meyer says. “We are also unsure if we'll be able to afford to go to a motel."

The Meyer's aren't alone.

Power is out everywhere in Omaha.

"There are several others counties experiencing the same thing,” Boone County Judge Mike Moore says.

"At last check Entergy says Thursday would be the earliest possible goal to get power on," Moore says.

With trees drooping dangerously close to power lines, officials worry it might get worse before it gets better.

"Right now we are incident response mode which means all agencies are working together trying to get through this the best they can," Moore says.

There are several shelters open in Boone County.

In Omaha a shelter is open at the Grace Covenant Church and an unmarked white building across the street from the Omaha Fire Station One.

The Lead Hill School gym is also open.

A third shelter is open at the National Guard Armory in Harrison, Arkansas.