Clay County, Arkansas tornadoes

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25confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1964). Most recent: April 2, 2025, EF2. 2026 so far: 2 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Clay County

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The record

At a glance

Total251950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthJanuary6 of 25
StrongestF4Jan 21, 1999
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries8whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Clay County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 6Feb: 1Mar: 2Apr: 4May: 1Jun: 2Jul: 0Aug: 1Sep: 2Oct: 4Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January is the peak month, with 6 of 25 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 1: 0: 13 PM: 2: 7: 76 PM: 2: 1: 19 PM: 0: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

50 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 1: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 52000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 12020: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 219501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
9
EF1
7
EF2
8
EF4
1

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F2, May 16, 1990

1 deaths, 1 injuries Strongest

F4, January 21, 1999

16 mile path Longest path

41.93 miles, EF2

February 24, 2018, whole path Widest

500 yards, EF2

April 2, 2025
Every tornado

All 25 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 2, 2025EF224.59 mi500 yd00
Mar 14, 2025EF29.88 mi125 yd00
Mar 6, 2022EF06.39 mi50 yd00
Aug 9, 2019EF00.19 mi50 yd00
Feb 24, 2018EF241.93 mi150 yd15
Apr 30, 2017EF12.84 mi100 yd00
Oct 13, 2014EF00.87 mi100 yd00
Sep 1, 2012EF00.06 mi25 yd00
Sep 1, 2012EF20.9 mi75 yd00
Oct 18, 2004F04 mi25 yd00
Oct 18, 2004F00.5 mi25 yd00
Oct 18, 2004F113 mi75 yd00
Jun 3, 1999F01 min/a00
Jan 21, 1999F27 mi100 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F11 min/a00
Jan 21, 1999F416 mi400 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F012 mi50 yd00
Jun 4, 1993F114 mi50 yd00
Apr 14, 1993F01.5 mi200 yd00
Nov 19, 1991F10.5 mi100 yd00
May 16, 1990F215 mi77 yd11
Apr 27, 1971F15.6 mi100 yd00
Nov 26, 1965F10.1 mi10 yd00
Jan 23, 1965F28.7 mi10 yd00
Jan 24, 1964F28.1 mi300 yd02
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 28, 20262 NNW PollardNot yet rated
Mar 15, 20264 WNW RectorNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 13, 2026.