Hempstead County, Arkansas tornadoes

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33confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: April 5, 2025, 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 Hempstead County

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The record

At a glance

Total331950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril12 of 33
StrongestF4Apr 2, 1982
Deaths8whole paths, see note
Injuries42whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

120 Jan: 1Feb: 1Mar: 4Apr: 12May: 7Jun: 1Jul: 1Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 4JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 12 of 33 tornadoes.

By time of day

60 12 AM: 0: 2: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 1: 2: 29 AM: 1: 1: 012 PM: 2: 3: 13 PM: 2: 6: 46 PM: 1: 2: 29 PM: 1: 0: 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

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 11980: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 22000: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 22010: 2: 3: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 319501960197019801990200020102020

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
12
EF1
11
EF2
5
EF3
4
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

F3, April 2, 1982

5 deaths, 4 injuries Strongest

F4, April 2, 1982

45 mile path Longest path

111.6 miles, F3

April 30, 1954, whole path Widest

1,760 yards, F3

April 30, 1954
Every tornado

All 33 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 5, 2025EF210.43 mi500 yd00
Apr 4, 2025EF12.7 mi375 yd00
Mar 14, 2025EF18.58 mi525 yd02
May 16, 2020EF00.47 mi20 yd00
Dec 1, 2018EF18.51 mi75 yd00
Dec 27, 2015EF10.84 mi350 yd00
Apr 25, 2011EF07.58 mi100 yd00
Apr 4, 2011EF21.84 mi200 yd02
Apr 4, 2011EF13.89 mi100 yd00
Sep 7, 2010EF00.21 mi40 yd00
Mar 10, 2010EF02.37 mi50 yd00
Jul 21, 2009EF01.28 mi125 yd00
May 9, 2009EF05.54 mi75 yd00
May 10, 2008EF01.04 mi50 yd00
Mar 27, 2007EF05 mi75 yd00
Apr 23, 2000F02.4 mi200 yd00
May 4, 1999F14.8 mi50 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F221.1 mi50 yd00
Nov 5, 1997F13.2 mi50 yd00
Mar 1, 1997F318 mi880 yd02
Apr 19, 1995F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 19, 1990F00.5 mi50 yd00
Dec 23, 1982F11 mi150 yd01
Apr 2, 1982F318 mi200 yd54
Apr 2, 1982F445 mi200 yd323
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.