Phillips County, Arkansas tornadoes

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26confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: March 31, 2023, EFU. 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 Phillips County

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The record

At a glance

Total261950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthFebruary5 of 26
StrongestF3Apr 29, 1956
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries7whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

February is the peak month, with 5 of 26 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 1: 2: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 1: 4: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 0: 33 PM: 0: 3: 56 PM: 3: 1: 19 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: 1: 0: 2: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 2: 11980: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 22010: 0: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 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
8
EF1
10
EF2
6
EF3
1
Unknown
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, April 29, 1956

3.3 mile path Longest path

33.37 miles, EF2

July 30, 2009, whole path Widest

600 yards, EF2

July 30, 2009
Every tornado

All 26 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 31, 2023EFU2.76 mi100 yd00
Aug 31, 2017EF01.71 mi50 yd00
Mar 13, 2016EF03.79 mi125 yd00
Mar 13, 2016EF02.88 mi100 yd00
Jan 22, 2012EF18.43 mi250 yd00
Apr 26, 2011EF030.78 mi200 yd00
Apr 26, 2011EF027.92 mi200 yd00
Jul 30, 2009EF233.37 mi600 yd00
May 6, 2009EF10.08 mi25 yd00
Feb 5, 2008EF00.16 mi25 yd00
Feb 24, 2001F29 mi200 yd02
Jan 18, 1996F12 mi25 yd03
Nov 11, 1995F10.9 mi50 yd00
Jan 3, 1982F10.5 mi17 yd00
Apr 8, 1979F00.1 mi50 yd00
Dec 3, 1978F20.8 mi100 yd00
Aug 29, 1978F10.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 6, 1977F11 mi100 yd02
May 8, 1977F00.2 mi20 yd00
Apr 24, 1976F11 mi30 yd00
Nov 10, 1966F110.3 mi20 yd00
Feb 11, 1965F214.4 mi50 yd00
Nov 19, 1964F221.5 mi100 yd00
Apr 29, 1956F33.3 mi50 yd00
Feb 16, 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.