Columbia County, Arkansas tornadoes

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35confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: July 8, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 0 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 Columbia County

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The record

At a glance

Total351950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthApril10 of 35
StrongestF4Dec 19, 1957
Deaths3whole paths, see note
Injuries20whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

100 Jan: 2Feb: 2Mar: 1Apr: 10May: 10Jun: 0Jul: 1Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 5Nov: 1Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 10 of 35 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 16 AM: 0: 0: 19 AM: 1: 1: 112 PM: 3: 0: 23 PM: 4: 5: 56 PM: 2: 3: 19 PM: 2: 0: 112 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

40 1950: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 01980: 0: 3: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 32000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 42010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 12020: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
5
EF1
21
EF2
6
EF3
2
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

F4, December 19, 1957

2 deaths, 9 injuries Strongest

F4, December 19, 1957

17.7 mile path Longest path

26.5 miles, F2

May 16, 1990, whole path Widest

900 yards, EF1

April 29, 2016
Every tornado

All 35 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 8, 2024EF16.5 mi300 yd00
Jan 18, 2023EF15.11 mi80 yd00
May 16, 2020EF12.63 mi50 yd00
Oct 21, 2019EF15.34 mi300 yd00
Apr 30, 2016EF10.37 mi130 yd00
Apr 29, 2016EF11.68 mi900 yd00
Apr 11, 2016EF01.18 mi25 yd00
Apr 4, 2011EF10.89 mi75 yd00
Oct 29, 2009EF03.09 mi75 yd00
Oct 29, 2009EF17.56 mi100 yd00
Oct 29, 2009EF11.46 mi150 yd01
Oct 29, 2009EF11.42 mi100 yd00
May 13, 2003F02.2 mi25 yd00
May 4, 1999F39 mi100 yd00
May 4, 1999F26.5 mi100 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F111.1 min/a00
Apr 4, 1997F17 mi200 yd00
Apr 11, 1994F22 mi43 yd00
May 16, 1990F226.5 mi77 yd00
Apr 2, 1982F11.5 mi200 yd02
May 18, 1981F119 mi440 yd01
May 16, 1981F110.5 mi440 yd00
May 13, 1981F214.6 mi440 yd04
Nov 1, 1977F00.2 mi27 yd00
May 1, 1977F11.5 mi30 yd00
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.