Little Rock, AR – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock has updated its survey of the May 26 tornado event in northern Arkansas, confirming two additional tornadoes and extending the tracks of two others.
The Boone-Marion County tornado, rated EF3, had peak winds of 145 mph, covering a 22-mile path and causing four fatalities and one injury. It destroyed several homes, uprooted numerous trees, and significantly damaged local infrastructure, including the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and an Arkansas State Police Troop Center.
According to the NWS, these updates were made possible by high-resolution satellite imagery, areal imagery, and new public reports and photos. The tornado’s destructive path started just west of Bellefonte Road in Boone County, damaging trees and power poles. Several homes suffered roof and exterior wall damage, while a hay barn was completely destroyed. As the tornado moved east, it crossed US Highway 65, causing minor damage to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and an Arkansas State Police Troop Center.
The tornado’s devastation continued as it expanded in width and snapped trees and power poles along Maxie Camp Road. A mobile home was completely lofted and destroyed near the intersection of Maxie Camp and Starkey Road, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to a resident. Extensive tree damage was observed along the tornado’s path, with the worst structural damage occurring near this intersection, consistent with EF3 wind speeds of up to 145 mph.
The tornado then moved northeast, causing mainly tree damage as it approached Olvey. Boone County officials reported one fatality inside a destroyed mobile home near Olvey. The tornado crossed into Marion County, where three additional fatalities were reported. Extensive tree damage continued, and several mobile homes were destroyed as the tornado followed US Highway 62.
The NWS’s updated survey highlights the importance of high-resolution imagery and public reports in accurately assessing tornado paths and impacts. The full summary of the tornado’s path and impact is available on the NWS website.
