Springfield, Mo. – Two brief EF-1 tornadoes touched down in Benton County on Monday evening, snapping trees and damaging buildings near Racket and Palo Pinto before transitioning to strong straight-line winds, according to the National Weather Service in Springfield.
The first tornado struck around 7:24 p.m. just west-southwest of Racket, tracking northeast for 1.26 miles with peak winds of 105 mph before dissipating at 7:27 p.m. near the outskirts of town. The second tornado touched down four minutes later, at 7:28 p.m., about three miles south-southwest of Palo Pinto. It remained on the ground for nearly six minutes, carving a 4.29-mile path before lifting just after 7:34 p.m. two miles east-southeast of the town.
According to NWS damage surveys, the Racket tornado uprooted trees, pushed a mobile home off its blocks, and damaged several outbuildings. In Palo Pinto, trees and power lines were brought down, barns were damaged, and one home sustained roof damage.
Residents in both areas are urged to stay alert for lingering debris hazards and to report structural issues to local emergency management.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but warnings remain in effect as additional severe weather remains possible later this week.
