EF3 Tornado — Crittenden, Arkansas

2008-05-02 · near Earle Mcneely Arpt, Crittenden, Arkansas

Event narrative

A tornado tracked northeast into Crittenden County from Cross County. The tornado produced a nearly continuous 12 mile track from the county line to Heafer. After crossing into Crittenden County, the tornado struck the town of Earle and produced extensive EF-3 damage. The tornado severely damaged a high school, a church and a number of homes. A large warehouse was also struck and sustained extensive damage. Additional significant damage to other structures occurred between Earle and Heafer. There were 4 serious injuries and several minor injuries reported in Earle. As the tornado moved into Heafer, the tornado produced EF-2 damage. Significant damage occurred to a number of homes in Heafer. Two mobile homes were destroyed as well. Several trees and power lines were also knocked down. The tornado continued to produce intermittent EF-0 damage as it moved out of Heafer and moved northeast between the towns of Gilmore and Turrell, eventually crossing into Mississippi County.

Wider weather episode

A cold front approached the Midsouth during the afternoon hours of May 2nd, 2008, Numerous showers and thunderstorms developed ahead and along the front. Storms quickly became severe and produced large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes. The severe weather continued into the early morning hours of May 3rd, 2008 with the passage of the front.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.2445, -90.5047)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 103621. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.