EF1 Tornado — Marion, Arkansas

2008-02-05 · near Ware's Chapel, Marion, Arkansas

Event narrative

A Red Cross survey indicated that 3 houses had major damage, 5 had minor damage, and 5 others were affected. In addition, 3 mobile homes were destroyed, 3 had major damage, and 2 had minor damage. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down as well. The tornado continued into Baxter County, just east-southeast of Cotter.

Wider weather episode

Early on the 5th, a strong storm system approached from the Plains. Ahead of the system, breezy southerly winds provided well above normal temperatures and abundant moisture. Warmth and moisture destabilized the atmosphere and fueled developing thunderstorms. A cold front moved across the state causing numerous severe storms and several tornadoes. One of the tornadoes tracked from Yell County to Sharp County, staying on the ground for 121.84 miles. This track length set a record for the longest tornado path ever recorded in Arkansas. The continuous track was confirmed by two National Weather Service meteorologists who flew the track with the Civil Air Patrol. The final track was based on ground surveys, the Civil Air Patrol flight, and an aerial mapping flight performed for the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.2073, -92.6219)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 82507. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.