Lee County, Arkansas tornadoes

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13confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1970). Most recent: December 28, 2015, 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.

The record

At a glance

Total131950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthDecember5 of 13
StrongestF3Nov 19, 1970
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries28whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

December is the peak month, with 5 of 13 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 26 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 0: 13 PM: 0: 2: 36 PM: 1: 1: 09 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 5:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 1: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 01980: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 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
5
EF1
3
EF2
4
EF3
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

Strongest

F3, November 19, 1970

8 mile path Longest path

30.1 miles, F1

February 22, 1975, whole path Widest

400 yards, F3

November 19, 1970
Every tornado

All 13 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Dec 28, 2015EF25.75 mi40 yd00
Dec 23, 2015EF24.65 mi100 yd00
Feb 5, 2008EF00.09 mi25 yd00
Dec 18, 2002F01 mi25 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F00.1 mi10 yd00
Nov 23, 1983F10.9 mi60 yd00
Dec 3, 1982F07 mi150 yd00
Jan 3, 1982F00.2 mi10 yd00
Dec 3, 1978F21 mi100 yd00
Feb 22, 1975F130.1 mi60 yd00
Nov 23, 1973F222 mi200 yd01
Apr 19, 1973F10.1 mi10 yd00
Nov 19, 1970F38 mi400 yd027
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 12, 2026.