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LITTLE ROCK—A series of tornadoes that have swept across Arkansas since the beginning of May damaged more than 620 homes, destroying at least 120, state estimates show.

The latest tally by the state Department of Emergency Management comes as officials await word on whether the federal government will declare areas struck by the May 2 tornado outbreak disaster areas. If President Bush declines to sign off on the idea, officials likely will have to apply for different aid for victims of Saturday’s tornado that hit Stuttgart and Arkansas County, said Richard Griffin, the state’s disaster management division chief.

Griffin said the May 2 tornadoes caused an estimate $3.4 million worth of damage to roads, highway and other public structures. As of yet, there’s been no estimate on the damage done to Stuttgart, where workers continue to clear streets and haul away downed trees and power lines.

However, the tornado caused heavy damage at Stuttgart’s middle school and the high school saw damage as well. Officials with the Arkansas Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation traveled Thursday to Stuttgart to inspect the damage.

Division director Doug Eaton said early estimates put repairing all the damage at about $3 million. However, Eaton said that estimate likely would change as insurance adjusters examine the damage further.

Tornadoes and storms killed seven people May 2, while Saturday’s storms caused only nine injuries, but tore down more than 300 power poles and 17 transformer towers.