Alert archive / Arkansas / Tornado Warnings in 2011

Tornado Warning 157, NWS Memphis, TN

May 25, 2011Crittenden County, Cross County, St. Francis County, Arkansas

NWS Memphis, TN issued this tornado warning at May 25, 2011, 5:54 PM CDT for Crittenden County, Cross County, St. Francis County, Arkansas. It was in force for 51 min. 4 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
May 25, 2011, 5:54 PM CDT (22:54 UTC)
Expired
May 25, 2011, 6:45 PM CDT
In force
51 min
Issued by
NWS Memphis, TN
Area
Storm-based polygon

Counties Crittenden County, AR, Cross County, AR, St. Francis County, AR

The radar

The Memphis radar (KNQA), 70 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:57 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
May 25, 6:01 PM CDTHAIL 12 E Forrest City, AR
May 25, 6:17 PM CDTHAIL 1.751 N Lucerne, AR
May 25, 6:25 PM CDTFUNNEL CLOUD6 N Hughes, ARPOSSIBLE TORNADO
May 25, 6:35 PM CDTFUNNEL CLOUD3 N Neuhardt, ARFUNNEL CLOUD NEAR HWY 147

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
May 25, 12:28 PM CDTTornado Watch PDSSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Little Rock, AR (KLZK), launched 12:00Z, 10.9 hours before the alert went out and 64 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Little Rock, AR at 12:00Z on 2011-05-25Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2124 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Little Rock, AR at 12:00Z on 2011-05-25The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 445 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2124 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-14 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
600 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
69 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
445 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
413 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
6.0
Supercell composite
20.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

569 
WFUS54 KMEG 252254
TORMEG
ARC035-037-123-252345-
/O.NEW.KMEG.TO.W.0157.110525T2254Z-110525T2345Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
554 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
  WESTERN CRITTENDEN COUNTY IN EASTERN ARKANSAS...
  SOUTHEASTERN CROSS COUNTY IN EASTERN ARKANSAS...
  ST. FRANCIS COUNTY IN EASTERN ARKANSAS...

* UNTIL 645 PM CDT

* AT 554 PM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
  SEVERE THUNDERSTORM PRODUCING A TORNADO NEAR PALESTINE...MOVING
  EAST AT 50 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO EARLE...
  FORREST CITY...MADISON...PALESTINE...PARKIN AND VILLAGE CREEK STATE
  PARK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

.IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM WILL PRODUCE UP TO GOLFBALL 
SIZE HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS.

.THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A STORM SHELTER. IF NO
STORM SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE
BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE
BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

&&

LAT...LON 3537 9041 3506 9026 3495 9049 3492 9064
      3492 9089 3507 9096
TIME...MOT...LOC 2254Z 253DEG 37KT 3498 9083

$$
3 follow-up statements
839 
WWUS54 KMEG 252310 RRA
SVSMEG

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
610 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

ARC035-037-123-252345-
/O.CON.KMEG.TO.W.0157.000000T0000Z-110525T2345Z/
CROSS AR-ST. FRANCIS AR-CRITTENDEN AR-
610 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
CRITTENDEN...EASTERN ST. FRANCIS AND SOUTHEASTERN CROSS COUNTIES...

AT 609 PM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A TORNADO.  THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR WIDENER...OR NEAR 
MADISON...MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH. UP TO GOLFBALL SIZE HAIL AND 
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH ARE ALSO POSSIBLE WITH THIS STORM.

LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO EARLE...
MADISON...SMITHDALE...SHEARERVILLE...LANSING...BROWNS...PROCTOR...
BRICE...PATOKA...LOUISE...MIDWAY CORNER...NEUHARDT...KATE AND
CHATFIELD.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A STORM SHELTER. IF NO
STORM SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE
BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE
BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

.A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ALERT AREA.

&&

LAT...LON 3533 9040 3506 9026 3495 9049 3493 9064
      3495 9078 3512 9081
TIME...MOT...LOC 2309Z 253DEG 37KT 3502 9065

$$
778 
WWUS54 KMEG 252324
SVSMEG

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
624 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

ARC035-037-123-252345-
/O.CON.KMEG.TO.W.0157.000000T0000Z-110525T2345Z/
CROSS AR-ST. FRANCIS AR-CRITTENDEN AR-
624 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
CRITTENDEN...NORTHEASTERN ST. FRANCIS AND SOUTHEASTERN CROSS
COUNTIES...

AT 624 PM CDT...WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO INDICATE A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WITH STRONG ROTATION.  THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED
NEAR CICALLA...OR 8 MILES NORTHWEST OF HUGHES...MOVING EAST AT 45
MPH.

LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO EARLE...
SHEARERVILLE...LANSING...BROWNS...PROCTOR...BRICE...PATOKA...
LOUISE...MIDWAY CORNER...NEUHARDT...KATE...CLARKS CORNER...HICKS
STATION AND BLACKFISH.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A STORM SHELTER. IF NO
STORM SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE
BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE
BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

.A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ALERT AREA.

&&

LAT...LON 3498 9049 3498 9056 3504 9060 3515 9063
      3533 9040 3506 9026
TIME...MOT...LOC 2324Z 253DEG 37KT 3506 9047

$$
800 
WWUS54 KMEG 252327
SVSMEG

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
627 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

ARC035-037-123-252345-
/O.CON.KMEG.TO.W.0157.000000T0000Z-110525T2345Z/
CROSS AR-ST. FRANCIS AR-CRITTENDEN AR-
627 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
CRITTENDEN...NORTHEASTERN ST. FRANCIS AND SOUTHEASTERN CROSS
COUNTIES...

AT 626 PM CDT...WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO INDICATE A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WITH STRONG ROTATION.  A TRAINED SPOTTER 
REPORTED A FUNNEL CLOUD 6 MILES NORTH OF HUGHES ALONG HIGHWAY 79 AT 
522 PM. 

LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO EARLE...
SHEARERVILLE...LANSING...BROWNS...PROCTOR...BRICE...PATOKA...
LOUISE...MIDWAY CORNER...NEUHARDT...KATE...BLACKFISH...WHITMORE AND
LUCERNE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A STORM SHELTER. IF NO
STORM SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE
BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE
BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.

IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

.A TORNADO WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE ALERT AREA.

&&

LAT...LON 3498 9049 3498 9056 3504 9060 3515 9060
      3533 9040 3506 9026
TIME...MOT...LOC 2326Z 253DEG 37KT 3506 9044

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Memphis, TN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 25, 3:30 AM CDTWind AdvisoryMEGClay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Lawrence and 6 more16 hr
May 25, 2:29 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGRandolph31 min
May 25, 3:35 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGLawrence, Randolph40 min
May 25, 3:41 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGLawrence, Randolph49 min
May 25, 3:55 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGLawrence, Randolph50 min
May 25, 4:22 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCraighead, Greene, Lawrence38 min
May 25, 4:27 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGClay, Randolph33 min
May 25, 4:42 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGRandolph33 min
May 25, 4:44 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGClay, Greene, Lawrence, Randolph46 min
May 25, 4:52 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCraighead, Greene, Lawrence38 min
May 25, 4:52 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCraighead, Crittenden, Cross, Poinsett38 min
May 25, 5:15 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGClay45 min
May 25, 5:15 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCross, Lee, St. Francis45 min
May 25, 5:22 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCraighead, Cross, Poinsett38 min
May 25, 5:26 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGClay, Greene49 min
May 25, 5:57 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCraighead, Mississippi, Poinsett48 min
May 25, 5:58 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGCraighead, Greene, Mississippi47 min
May 25, 6:15 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGRandolph30 min
May 25, 6:17 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGLee, Phillips43 min
May 25, 6:37 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGCrittenden, St. Francis38 min
May 25, 6:39 PM CDTTornado WarningMEGMississippi51 min
May 25, 6:56 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGLee, Phillips49 min
May 25, 6:58 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMEGPhillips47 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Arkansas, 2011Every tornado warning in 2011Tornadoes in 2011

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.