EF1 tornado in Ashley County, Arkansas

This tornado started in the swamp area on the eastern side of Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge and tracked roughly due east and dissipated just after crossing Hancock Road. At the start, a few trees were damaged and that continued as the tornado tracked along Ashley 299 Road. Some trees were uprooted along this part of the path. The tornado intensified as it neared Ashley 14 Road and widened. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped. Several outbuildings were damaged along with other minor damage to some homes with shingles off. Along a portion of Ashley 14 Road, heavy tree damage was noted along with several homes having trees on them. Numerous power lines were down as well. The tornado then weakened some with mostly minor type tree damage. Intensity increased again as it crossed Hancock Road. Here Beulahland Church sustained moderate roof damage along with two other homes having roof damage. Several power lines and poles were down as well. The tornado quickly dissipated just east of Hancock Road. Maximum peak winds were estimated at 108 mph.

A warm, moist airmass was in place across the region ahead of a potent January weather system. Ample wind energy also was present, which not only helped bring damaging winds with severe storms but also allowed for strong gradient winds to occur ahead of an eastward advancing squall line. Severe weather occurred in the early morning hours of January 11th and continued across the ArkLaMiss region before noon, resulting in widespread wind damage as well as some tornadoes.