Polk County, Arkansas tornadoes

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37confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1950). Most recent: November 4, 2022, 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 Polk County

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The record

At a glance

Total371950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthApril10 of 37
StrongestEF3Apr 9, 2009
Deaths4whole paths, see note
Injuries74whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

100 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 6Apr: 10May: 6Jun: 2Jul: 0Aug: 0Sep: 2Oct: 3Nov: 5Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 10 of 37 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 16 AM: 0: 0: 19 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 3: 33 PM: 1: 4: 16 PM: 5: 5: 39 PM: 5: 3: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 1950: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 11980: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 4: 32000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 1: 1: 0: 3: 22010: 0: 3: 0: 3: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 1: 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
9
EF1
15
EF2
11
EF3
2

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

EF3, April 9, 2009

3 deaths, 30 injuries Strongest

EF3, April 9, 2009

14.84 mile path Longest path

42 miles, F2

April 11, 1979, whole path Widest

1,075 yards, EF3

April 9, 2009
Every tornado

All 37 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Nov 4, 2022EF11.8 mi200 yd00
Oct 13, 2014EF13.66 mi300 yd00
May 30, 2013EF12.43 mi200 yd00
May 30, 2013EF28.6 mi800 yd05
May 30, 2013EF10.8 mi200 yd00
Apr 26, 2011EF10.77 mi50 yd00
Apr 25, 2011EF15.82 mi50 yd00
Apr 14, 2011EF10.53 mi75 yd00
Apr 9, 2009EF314.84 mi1,075 yd330
Apr 9, 2009EF210.7 mi800 yd04
Oct 6, 2008EF13.41 mi250 yd00
Apr 9, 2008EF12.13 mi150 yd00
Mar 17, 2008EF00.3 mi25 yd00
Sep 21, 2006F12.2 mi40 yd00
Nov 12, 2005F03.5 mi30 yd00
Apr 9, 2004F02.4 mi25 yd00
Apr 9, 2004F00.2 mi25 yd00
May 1, 2003F211 mi200 yd00
Dec 4, 1999F00.5 mi40 yd00
Mar 5, 1999F227.2 mi183 yd00
Mar 5, 1999F212 mi200 yd00
Oct 5, 1998F00.1 mi50 yd00
Sep 8, 1998F13 mi100 yd00
Jun 4, 1998F115.5 mi250 yd00
Jun 4, 1998F121 mi250 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.