Union County, Arkansas tornadoes

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45confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1950). Most recent: June 18, 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 Union County

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The record

At a glance

Total451950 to 2025
Per year0.6average since 1950
Peak monthApril11 of 45
StrongestF3Dec 3, 1978
Deaths5whole paths, see note
Injuries34whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

110 Jan: 6Feb: 4Mar: 5Apr: 11May: 3Jun: 2Jul: 1Aug: 0Sep: 4Oct: 3Nov: 2Dec: 4JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 11 of 45 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 1: 2: 03 AM: 2: 0: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 1: 0: 212 PM: 2: 3: 43 PM: 8: 2: 56 PM: 3: 6: 19 PM: 0: 0: 212 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 11980: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 1: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 1: 2: 2: 1: 1: 0: 2: 3: 32010: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 2: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 3: 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
12
EF1
18
EF2
10
EF3
4
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

Deadliest

F3, December 3, 1978

2 deaths, 4 injuries Strongest

F3, December 3, 1978

60 mile path Longest path

60 miles, F3

December 3, 1978, whole path Widest

1,320 yards, EF2

June 18, 2023
Every tornado

All 45 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 18, 2023EF210.31 mi1,320 yd00
Jan 18, 2023EF19.29 mi840 yd00
Jan 2, 2023EF10.24 mi350 yd00
Jun 7, 2021EFU1.58 mi25 yd00
Apr 14, 2018EF15.11 mi1,200 yd00
Apr 14, 2018EF17.13 mi800 yd00
Jan 21, 2017EF00.61 mi50 yd00
Jan 21, 2017EF12.89 mi75 yd00
Apr 26, 2011EF126.52 mi100 yd00
Apr 4, 2011EF11.28 mi100 yd00
Oct 29, 2009EF11.5 mi75 yd00
Oct 29, 2009EF15.53 mi75 yd00
Oct 29, 2009EF03.39 mi50 yd00
Sep 13, 2008EF00.5 mi40 yd00
Sep 13, 2008EF00.25 mi30 yd00
Feb 5, 2008EF07 mi100 yd00
Feb 24, 2007EF15 mi150 yd00
Feb 24, 2007EF326 mi250 yd05
Jan 12, 2005F324 mi900 yd213
Apr 29, 2004F19 mi150 yd00
Apr 24, 2003F120 mi100 yd00
Apr 24, 2003F216.7 mi125 yd00
Dec 18, 2002F01.1 mi25 yd00
Dec 18, 2002F220.2 mi110 yd00
Nov 26, 2001F13.9 mi30 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.