Willisville, Arkansas – A National Weather Service survey team confirmed an EF2 tornado struck Nevada County early Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, the tornado touched down around 5:37 a.m. Saturday, March 7, just west of the Willisville community and remained on the ground for about eight minutes before lifting at 5:45 a.m.
Damage survey teams estimated peak winds near 125 mph, placing the tornado in the EF2 category on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
The tornado carved a 2.73-mile damage path across rural portions of Nevada County and reached a maximum width of about 345 yards, according to preliminary survey results released by the National Weather Service.
Officials reported one injury and no deaths associated with the tornado.
Damage indicators surveyed by meteorologists helped determine the storm’s intensity and track as it moved northeast across the area near Willisville.
The survey results remain preliminary, and additional details could be updated as meteorologists continue reviewing storm damage from the March 7 severe weather event.
Students and commuters across southwest Arkansas may still see storm cleanup activity in affected areas as damage assessments continue.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to remain weather aware during the spring severe weather season.
