Multiple Tornadoes Touch Down in Arkansas, Causing Severe Damage and Injuries
A series of tornadoes tore through Arkansas on Friday afternoon, causing significant damage and injuries. The National Weather Service issued a rare “high risk” forecast for strong to violent tornadoes, damaging thunderstorm winds, and hail across the state, which prompted Gov. Asa Hutchinson to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard. Reports indicate that homes and businesses were heavily damaged or destroyed, with vehicles flipped over by the strong winds.
Little Rock Takes the Brunt of the Storm
The city of Little Rock was hit particularly hard by the tornado outbreak, with reports of extensive damage due to flying debris and overturned cars. Trees were down on I430 near Exit 8, causing traffic to move slowly. The National Weather Service reported injuries in west Little Rock, prompting Mayor Frank Scott Jr. to ask for National Guard assistance. North Little Rock also experienced storm damage throughout the city, with an emergency operations center set up to deal with the aftermath.
Widespread Devastation Across Arkansas
Jacksonville in Garland County was another area hit hard by the tornado outbreak. The Sheriff’s Department reported trees down on Blacksnake Road, with significant damage to homes and buildings in the area. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management was activated, while the American Red Cross opened a shelter in Little Rock and Baptist Hospital prepared for an influx of patients.
Severe Weather Outbreak Across Central and Southern States
This tornado outbreak was part of a severe weather outbreak affecting central and southern states across America. Tornado watches had been issued for 15 million people from Arkansas to Iowa and parts of northeast Texas, northwest Louisiana, and far southern Oklahoma until 8 p.m. CDT. Nearly 90 million people across 21 states were under threat from the severe storms, which brought the potential for numerous strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
Kentucky Also Affected by Severe Weather Outbreak
Kentucky was another state affected by the severe weather outbreak, with Gov. Andy Beshear issuing a state of emergency ahead of the storm. The Storm Prediction Center warned of potential EF3 or higher tornadoes, intense damaging wind gusts, very large hail, and even intense rainfall rates that could produce flash flooding.
Stay Safe During Severe Weather
The outbreak of severe weather served as a reminder to always be prepared for such events. The National Weather Service recommends having a severe weather plan in place before a storm strikes, including multiple ways to receive watches and warnings from them and planning for safe shelter in case of a warning issued.
As the situation continues to develop across the Midwest and South, there will undoubtedly be updates on the damage done by this tornado outbreak. It’s clear that preparation, vigilance, and quick action in response to severe weather are necessary to keep people safe during these events.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
