As strong thunderstorms moved through our region Easter Sunday, I was quickly pointed to a rural area of Logan County, south of of Washburn due to possibly tornado damage. There were also indications of storm damage near the BHDC center off of Highway 23 south of Booneville. Several instances of damage including large trees were located. While I initially suspected the damage to be that of a tornado, the National Weather Service in Little Rock has suggested the damage occurred from straight line winds.
Wind speeds of up to 110 MPH were possible, which is equivalent of a stronger EF-1 tornado.
Here is an official statement from the NWS in Little Rock:
“As a large squall line moved into western Arkansas Sunday evening, a supercell developed immediately ahead of the line over extreme eastern Sebastian County. This storm was quickly absorbed into the squall line as it crossed into Logan County shortly after 5:30 PM. A majority of damage occurred along or near Blythe Road where winds broke numerous large limbs off trees with sporadic uprooted trees. This is consistent with maximum wind speeds of 75 to 85 mph. Portions of metal roofing were removed from a small barn and some minor structural damage occurred, likely from falling limbs. At least sporadic damage occurred between Blythe Road and Booneville, primarily consisting of minor tree damage.
South of Booneville, numerous hardwood trees were uprooted with large portions of trunks snapped near the intersection of AR-23 and S State Highway 116. Some minor roof damage was observed at a home in this area. The most intense damage occurred near the Booneville Human Development Center where several large, mature pine trees were snapped, some at their base, and others were uprooted. Maximum wind speeds in this area were estimated to be around 110 MPH.”
Enjoy the break from severe weather for now, but it appears our next chances may arrive as early as next week.
-Zach
