Three Tornadoes Hit Northwest Arkansas, Resulting in Five Deaths and Widespread Damage
May 30, 2024 at 10:35 a.m.
Three additional tornadoes have been confirmed by the National Weather Service in Benton and Madison counties, adding to the total count of seven twisters that hit the region. The recent tornadoes resulted in five fatalities in Benton County, with significant damage reported across the area.
The first tornado developed in Bentonville, crossing Interstate 49 into Rogers and causing extensive damage to homes and businesses. Rated as an EF2 tornado with peak winds between 115 to 125 mph, the twister traveled a total of 7.4 miles, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.
Another tornado, ranked as an EF1 with peak winds between 100 to 110 mph, touched down near War Eagle, damaging properties and uprooting trees along its 3.2-mile path. A third EF1 tornado hit southeast Benton County, causing further tree damage and power line disruptions over a distance of 8.9 miles.
These recent tornadoes add to the four others previously reported by the Weather Service, including a record-breaking EF3 tornado in Decatur with wind speeds of up to 155 mph and a width of about 1.8 miles.
The community is now coming together to support those affected by the devastating storms, with recovery efforts underway in the impacted areas.