Severe Weather Strikes Ozarks with Multiple EF-3 Tornadoes
A series of destructive tornadoes hit the Ozarks on Sunday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) confirming at least ten tornadoes, several of which were classified as EF-3. The NWS reported that two EF-3 tornadoes touched down in northern Arkansas early Sunday morning, while another EF-3 tornado struck in Mountain View Sunday evening.
Devastating Impact of EF-3 Tornadoes in Ozarks
In Arkansas, one EF-3 tornado tore through Boone County, passing through Olvey before dissipating in Marion County. Another EF-3 tornado was confirmed in Briarcliff in Baxter County. Missouri also experienced severe weather, with an EF-3 tornado hitting Mountain View Sunday night, leaving a trail of destruction with wind speeds of up to 140 mph. Additionally, an EF-2 tornado was reported near Birch Tree in Shannon County, with peak winds reaching 125 mph.
NWS Surveys Confirm Additional Tornadoes in Ozarks
The NWS identified six other tornadoes in Missouri on Sunday, including an EF-1 tornado in Wright County, an EF-1 tornado in Texas County, an EF-0 tornado in Dade County, an EF-0 tornado in Taney County, an EF-0 tornado in Dallas County, and an EF-0 tornado in Shannon County. Furthermore, NWS Tulsa confirmed two tornadoes in Benton County, Arkansas, an EF-3 near Decatur and an EF-2 near Centerton from early Sunday morning. NWS Springfield plans to conduct additional surveys in Ozark and Oregon County in the coming days to assess the full extent of the damage.
The severe weather outbreak in the Ozarks underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of natural disasters. Stay tuned for updates as communities work to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of these devastating tornadoes.