Nashville, AR – Residents in Howard County woke up to storm damage Thursday after a powerful supercell thunderstorm swept through the area west of Nashville early on September 24, 2025.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Shreveport, Louisiana, a survey team inspected the damage and determined it was caused by straight-line thunderstorm winds rather than a tornado. Maximum wind gusts were estimated between 90 and 95 miles per hour, strong enough to uproot trees, damage structures, and scatter debris along the storm’s path.
The damage stretched roughly 8.34 miles across the county, primarily between Mineral Springs and Nashville. The NWS reported the storm struck during the overnight hours between 1:32 a.m. and 1:52 a.m. Wednesday. Despite the strength of the winds, officials confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities.
Straight-line winds, often mistaken for tornado damage, occur when powerful downdrafts from a thunderstorm push outward in one direction. These winds can rival tornadoes in intensity and are particularly dangerous because they can cause widespread damage across rural and residential areas.
Howard County residents are encouraged to remain alert during severe weather events, as damaging wind storms are common during the fall season across southwest Arkansas. The NWS continues to monitor conditions in the region as weather patterns remain active heading into October.
Community members who experienced property damage are advised to document losses and check with insurance providers for potential claims.
