Little Rock, Arkansas – One of the most extreme weather events in Arkansas history unfolded on December 30, 1990, when a powerful Arctic front swept across the state, producing a dramatic temperature plunge and a rare tornado along the boundary.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, temperatures across Arkansas dropped by as much as 60 degrees within hours as the Arctic air mass surged south. Late that morning, readings ranged from the 70s in southeast Arkansas ahead of the front to near zero in northwest Arkansas behind it, creating an unusually sharp thermal contrast.
As the front pushed into southeast Arkansas, atmospheric instability along the boundary allowed a tornado to form. The tornado tracked for approximately 10 miles through Ashley County, striking the town of Parkdale. The storm caused damage but, remarkably, no injuries were reported, according to historical records.
In Little Rock, temperatures fell rapidly as the front passed, with readings dropping into the 20s and lower 30s by midday. Fayetteville recorded temperatures near 10 degrees, while areas farther south experienced freezing conditions shortly after the frontal passage.
Meteorologists note that tornadoes associated with Arctic fronts are rare but possible when strong dynamics and sharp temperature gradients align. The December 30, 1990 event remains a textbook example of how winter weather systems can still produce severe impacts.
Maps from the event show an exceptionally tight temperature gradient across Arkansas, underscoring the strength of the Arctic intrusion. The tornado was later rated F2, based on observed damage.
The National Weather Service highlights this event as a reminder that severe weather can occur in any season, including winter. While modern forecasting has improved significantly since 1990, rapid temperature changes and strong fronts continue to be monitored closely across the region.
