EF1 tornado in Ashley County, Arkansas

This tornado started just off Highway 133 and continued just east of north where it dissipated just before reaching Highway 8, southeast of Hamburg. At the start, just a few trees were uprooted, some of which took a power line down along Highway 133. The tornado increased in intensity and width as it crossed Binnis Loop Rd. More trees were uprooted or snapped and a couple of homes sustained some roof damage. One large shed was destroyed with fragments of the roof thrown across the road. The tornado traveled along Highway 52 for quite a while. Along this part of the path, numerous trees were uprooted and snapped. Some power lines and poles were down as well. Quite a bit of uprooted trees were noted on the south side of the country club. The tornado moved over the airport where one large hangar had roof damage and the back wall had panels blown out. As the tornado neared Highway 425, the center was to the north side of Highway 52 and continued to snap and uproot trees. As it crossed Highway 425, numerous trees were snapped and uprooted. Moving east-northeast, the tornado began to weaken and dissipated just after crossing Ashley 312 Road. Maximum peak winds were estimated at 100 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.