Desha County, Arkansas tornadoes

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27confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: January 2, 2023, EF2. 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 Desha County

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The record

At a glance

Total271950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthFebruary5 of 27
StrongestF3Oct 28, 1955
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries43whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

50 Jan: 2Feb: 5Mar: 4Apr: 3May: 3Jun: 2Jul: 2Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 1Nov: 0Dec: 4JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

February is the peak month, with 5 of 27 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 1: 03 AM: 0: 0: 16 AM: 0: 1: 19 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 1: 1: 23 PM: 3: 4: 16 PM: 4: 0: 29 PM: 1: 1: 212 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

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 2: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 11980: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 2: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 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
7
EF1
8
EF2
9
EF3
3

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

Strongest

F3, October 28, 1955

1 mile path Longest path

42.77 miles, EF2

January 2, 2023, whole path Widest

1,300 yards, EF2

January 2, 2023
Every tornado

All 27 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jan 2, 2023EF242.77 mi1,300 yd00
Mar 17, 2021EF00.1 mi10 yd00
Mar 13, 2016EF18.96 mi300 yd01
Dec 21, 2013EF240.79 mi440 yd02
Jun 16, 2011EF00.3 mi20 yd00
Feb 24, 2007EF18.5 mi150 yd00
Feb 24, 2007EF329.1 mi880 yd028
Sep 24, 2005F011 mi40 yd00
Dec 18, 2002F00.2 mi20 yd00
Dec 18, 2002F19 mi50 yd00
Feb 24, 2001F29 mi200 yd02
Feb 24, 2001F342 mi300 yd00
Jul 13, 1991F00.1 mi23 yd00
Jun 2, 1989F08 mi23 yd00
May 2, 1983F00.1 mi50 yd00
May 16, 1981F212.5 mi660 yd05
Apr 11, 1979F23.6 mi100 yd00
Dec 3, 1978F218.6 mi400 yd00
Jan 28, 1974F113.3 mi100 yd02
Apr 24, 1973F20.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 24, 1973F10.1 mi10 yd02
Mar 27, 1972F10.3 mi50 yd00
Mar 1, 1972F21 mi300 yd00
Feb 21, 1971F217.1 mi300 yd00
May 25, 1956F10.1 mi10 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.