During the course of the two days 56 tornadoes in total formed and moved across portions of the state. The storms formed mostly across the southwest then through central into northeast sections of the state. With the only recorded tornado in west central Arkansas occurring in eastern Sebastian County.
During the course of the outbreak the National Weather Service in Little Rock issued 48 tornado warnings, 80 severe thunderstorm warnings and 22 flash flood warnings during the event. Tragically, the tornadoes were responsible for 8 fatalities and nearly 150 injuries. Most of the tornadoes formed during the afternoon hours, and continued into the evening hours of the 21st.
One of the most dangerous tornadoes (EF-3) during the outbreak resulted in devastation for the town of Beebe (White County). The storm initialized southwest of town and struck Beebe at approximately 7:30 PM, the tornado tracked for eight miles before eventually dissipating. Two citizens of Beebe were sadly killed in result of the storm.
White County was not the only county to be devastated by tornadoes. Just to the northwest in Independence County six tornadoes tracked across different portions of the county. Two very powerful EF-2 rated tornadoes tracked near Pleasant Plains and Newark. Sadly, one person lost their life near Pleasant Plaints in result of the tornadoes. You may ask yourself why did this occur? This was a La Niña year. During a La Niña cooler than average waters exist along the equator in the pacific ocean. This then results in a tendency for more tornadoes locally when such conditions exist.
Take the time to remember all involved during this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by these deadly storms.
Image and information credits:
NWS (Little Rock)
