High Wind and Strong Wind in Arkansas, January 29, 2008

Name: High Wind and Strong Wind in Arkansas, January 29, 2008
Start: 2008-01-29T11:00
End: 2008-01-29T20:00
Location: Arkansas

January 29, 2008 · NWS LZK · 45 events in 45 counties and zones

A strong cold front approached from the Plains during the morning of January 29th. The front arrived during the early afternoon hours, and winds shifted to the northwest.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 34 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 2
Injuries: 2
Property damage: $14 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 45

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS LZK wrote it up.

A strong cold front approached from the Plains during the morning of January 29th. The front arrived during the early afternoon hours, and winds shifted to the northwest. Wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph were common, with gusts over 50 mph. Approximately 80,000 power outages occurred.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Little Rock, AR wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 29, 5:31 AM CST, 5 hours 29 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 29, 5:31 AM CST, 5 hours 29 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR
531 AM CST TUE JAN 29 2008

.AVIATION...
STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS WILL BE FELT AHEAD OF AND BEHIND A FAST
MOVING COLD FRONT THAT IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH THE FORECAST
AREA LATE THIS MORNING OR EARLY AFTERNOON. IT WILL EXIT THE STATE
BY 00Z WED. EXPECT NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
AHEAD OF THE FRONT. CEILING WILL RANGE FROM MVFR TO IFR IN AREAS
OF FOG AND PRECIPITATION. CEILINGS AND VISIBILITY WILL IMPROVE TO
VFR AFTER THE FRONTAL PASSAGE FOR ANY GIVEN AREA. EXPECT GUSTY
WINDS TO PERSIST UNTIL DARK.
&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 310 AM CST TUE JAN 29 2008/

DISCUSSION...
MAIN CONCERNS THIS FORECAST CYCLE ARE CONVECTION TODAY & ISOLATED
SEVERE THREAT...THEN THE NEXT STORM SYSTEM FOR THURSDAY TO FRIDAY
MORNING...WITH CONVECTION & WINTER PRECIP POTENTIAL.

SURGE OF MOISTURE OVER THE AREA HAS BROUGHT DEW POINTS TO THE MID
& UPPER 50S WEST...TO THE MID TO UPPER 40S EAST. PRECIP WATER
VALUES HAVE REACHED AROUND 1 INCH AT BOTH KLZK & KSGF. PLUME OF
MOISTURE ALSO DEPICTED IN WATER VAPOR IMAGE TO SW OF ARKANSAS TO
EASTERN PACIFIC. LOW LEVEL JET WELL DEFINED AROUND 50-60 KNTS AT
KSGF...WHILE 40-50 KNOTS AT KLZK. BOTH SOUNDINGS STILL SHOWING THE
WELL DEFINED INVERSION 2K- 8K FT. AREA 88D RADARS SHOWING MAINLY
ELEVATED LIGHT PRECIP & ONLY LIGHT RAIN HAS BEEN REACHING THE
GROUND SO FAR. THE UPPER TROUGH WAS OVER THE WESTERN PLAINS...&
THE SURFACE LOW WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OVER OK & TX PANHANDLES.
QUITE MILD MORNING WITH TEMPS IN THE 50S TO LOWER 60S ACROSS THE
STATE.

SHORT TERM...TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT
FIRST...AHEAD OF THE SYSTEM THE PRESSURE GRADIENT & LOW LEVEL JET
WILL KEEP SURFACE WINDS ELEVATED...& A LAKE WIND ADVISORY WILL BE
IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO MIDNIGHT TODAY. PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS ALSO
BEHIND THE FRONT...BEFORE THE SURFACE RIDGE SETTLES IN & LOWERS
SPEEDS.

MAIN SURGE OF DYNAMIC LIFT...INSTABILITY FROM 12Z TO 20Z
TODAY...& WITH EXPECTED LOW LEVEL JET & UPPER LEVEL
DIFFLUENCE...SPC HAS PUT CENTRAL TO EASTERN AR IN SLIGHT RISK.
HAVE ADDED THIS TO FORECAST TO LATE MORNING TO AFTERNOON OVER
EAST-CENTRAL TO EASTERN AREAS. AN ISOLATED STRONG TO SEVERE STORM
WILL BE POSSIBLE. SPEED OF THE UPPER DYNAMICS TAKES THE SURGE
QUICKLY TO EASTERN AR TO MS & TN BY 00Z. SEVERE THREAT PULLS EAST
WITH THE DYNAMICS. COLD FRONT WILL LAG UPPER SYSTEM...& NOT PUSH
ACROSS AR UNTIL 00Z TO 04Z. SOME SMALL CHANCE OF MIXED PRECIP OVER
FAR NORTHERN PARTS OF AR...BUT AT THIS TIME...HAVE LEFT OUT DUE TO
UNCERTAINTY. WEDNESDAY IS JUST A TRANSITION DAY BEFORE THE NEXT
STORM SYSTEM ON THURSDAY. THURSDAYS STORM SYSTEM WILL BE MORE
PROBLEMATIC WITH ITS POTENTIAL FOR CONVECTION & WINTRY PRECIP.
SURFACE LOW & UPPER LOW KEY TO FORECAST. AT THIS TIME...MODELS ARE
TAKING THE SURFACE LOW SOUTH OF AR...KEEPING THUNDERSTORMS
SOUTH...WHILE BRINGING IN A GREATER CHANCE OF WINTER PRECIP DUE TO
COLD AIR. THE UPPER LOW IS FORECAST TO MOVE ACROSS CENTRAL AR.
THIS WOULD BRING FREEZING LEVELS DOWN...& AS WE SAW WITH OUR
PREVIOUS SIGNIFICANT SNOW EVENT ON DEC 26TH 2007...THIS WAS THE
KEY OVER THE OZARKS. ELEVATIONS 1K FT & HIGHER SAW SNOW...WHILE
RAIN BELOW. THE SNOW THREAT WOULD BE GREATEST OVER THE NW-N
ARKANSAS FROM LATE THURSDAY TO FRIDAY MORNING...BE FOR THE LOW
PUSHES EAST & TAKES THE DEFORMATIONS ZONE EAST. CURRENT HPC
GUIDANCE HAS AROUND ONE INCH OVER NORTHERN AR...& OUR FORECAST
TRENDS THIS WAY. UNCERTAINTY DOES EXIST WITH THIS FORECAST & LATER
MODEL RUNS WILL FINE TUNE LOCATION & AMOUNT.

LONG TERM...SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY
THIS PERIOD WILL START DRY WITH A WEAK SURFACE TROF TO OUR WEST.
THEN MOISTURE WILL BEGIN MOVING NORTHWARD FROM THE GULF AS A RATHER
LARGE SURFACE LOW WINDS UP OVER THE NORTHERN ROCKIES. THE LOW WILL
SLIDE EAST ALONG THE NORTHERN STATES WHILE DRAWING ABUNDANT MOISTURE
INTO ITS CIRCULATION FROM THE GULF COAST THROUGH THE GREAT LAKES AND
WESTWARD ALONG SOUTHERN CANADA AND THE NORTHERN STATES. WITH THE LOW
SO FAR NORTH...THE ASSOCIATED FRONT WILL LAG BEHIND STRETCHING MORE
WEST TO EAST ALONG THE RED RIVER VALLEY. THE FRONT WILL CLEAR OUR
FORECAST AREA RATHER SLOWLY...PROLONGING THE PERIOD OF SHOWERS
EXPECTED FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH THE END OF THE PERIOD. I DID
MENTION SOME STORMS DURING THE DAYTIME HOURS MONDAY ON ACCOUNT OF
THE FRONTAL LIFT. TEMPERATURES WILL TREND FROM NEAR NORMAL AT THE
START TO ABOVE NORMAL ON DAY 7.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
BATESVILLE AR     67  24  46  29 /  60  60  10  10
CAMDEN AR         69  31  52  36 /  60  60  10  20
HARRISON AR       60  18  45  31 /  40  40  10  10
HOT SPRINGS AR    66  28  52  34 /  60  60  10  20
LITTLE ROCK   AR  67  29  50  33 /  60  60  10  10
MONTICELLO AR     69  32  52  35 /  70  70  10  20
MOUNT IDA AR      64  26  53  34 /  50  50  10  20
MOUNTAIN HOME AR  63  18  45  30 /  40  40  10  10
NEWPORT AR        67  27  46  30 /  60  60  10  10
PINE BLUFF AR     68  32  52  35 /  70  70  10  20
RUSSELLVILLE AR   64  21  49  32 /  50  50  10  20
SEARCY AR         67  26  47  31 /  60  60  10  10
STUTTGART AR      67  30  49  33 /  70  70  10  10
&&

.LZK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR ARKANSAS-
BAXTER-BOONE-BRADLEY-CALHOUN-CLARK-CLEBURNE-CLEVELAND-CONWAY-
DALLAS-DESHA-DREW-FAULKNER-FULTON-GARLAND-GRANT-HOT SPRING-
INDEPENDENCE-IZARD-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-JOHNSON-LINCOLN-LOGAN-
LONOKE-MARION-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-NEWTON-OUACHITA-PERRY-PIKE-POLK-
POPE-PRAIRIE-PULASKI-SALINE-SCOTT-SEARCY-SHARP-STONE-VAN BUREN-
WHITE-WOODRUFF-YELL.

&&

AVIATION...32

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 29, 9:15 AM CST, 1 hour 45 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR
915 AM CST TUE JAN 29 2008

ARZ003>007-012>016-021>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>069-301100-
ARKANSAS-BAXTER-BOONE-BRADLEY-CALHOUN-CLARK-CLEBURNE-CLEVELAND-
CONWAY-DALLAS-DESHA-DREW-FAULKNER-FULTON-GARLAND-GRANT-HOT SPRING-
INDEPENDENCE-IZARD-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-JOHNSON-LINCOLN-LOGAN-LONOKE-
MARION-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-NEWTON-OUACHITA-PERRY-PIKE-POLK-POPE-
PRAIRIE-PULASKI-SALINE-SCOTT-SEARCY-SHARP-STONE-VAN BUREN-WHITE-
WOODRUFF-YELL-
915 AM CST TUE JAN 29 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR A LARGE PART OF ARKANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL PUSH INTO THE REGION FROM THE PLAINS TODAY.
THERE WERE NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS IN THE SOUTHEAST
HALF OF THE STATE THIS MORNING...WITH PRECIPITATION MOSTLY REMAINING
CONFINED TO THE SOUTH AND EAST THROUGH THE EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS.

THERE WILL BE A LOT OF WIND ENERGY SURROUNDING THE FRONT...AND THIS
WILL GIVE DEVELOPING STORMS A FAST FORWARD SPEED. THIS USUALLY
INCREASES THE CHANCE OF STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS. HOWEVER...WITH A
LOT OF CLOUDS AND PRECIPITATION...THERE WILL NOT BE MUCH WARMING.
THIS WILL KEEP THE ATMOSPHERE FROM BECOMING OVERLY UNSTABLE.

GIVEN THE LACK OF INSTABILITY...SEVERE WEATHER SHOULD REMAIN
ISOLATED TODAY...WITH SEVERE STORMS MORE LIKELY IN EXTREME EASTERN
ARKANSAS AND EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WHERE WARMING WILL BE
MORE APPRECIABLE. IN THESE AREAS...STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS AND
A FEW TORNADOES CANNOT BE RULED OUT.

AFTER THE FRONT PASSES THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...WINDS WILL SHIFT
FROM THE SOUTHWEST TO THE NORTHWEST. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME
STRONG AND GUSTY...WITH WIND SPEEDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH AND GUSTS OVER
40 MPH. THIS MAY DOWN TREES AND POWER LINES IN SOME AREAS.

A LAKE WIND ADVISORY HAS BEEN POSTED FOR MUCH OF ARKANSAS THROUGH
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD BEHIND THE FRONT ON WEDNESDAY...WITH A LOT
OF SUNSHINE AND NOT AS MUCH WIND. MEANWHILE...A NEW STORM SYSTEM
WILL BEGIN DEVELOPING IN THE TEXAS PANHANDLE...AND WILL BECOME A
FACTOR IN ARKANSAS.

THE SYSTEM WILL SPREAD RAIN INTO THE REGION ON THURSDAY AS IT TRACKS
TO THE EAST. BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON...THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE OVER
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS.

AS THE SYSTEM EXITS TO THE EAST THURSDAY NIGHT...IT WILL PULL
COLDER AIR INTO THE REGION FROM THE PLAINS. WITH MOISTURE
REMAINING...ACCUMULATING SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE MAINLY NORTH OF
MENA...CONWAY AND NEWPORT.

KEEP IN MIND THIS FORECAST MAY CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY BETWEEN NOW
AND THURSDAY. PEOPLE SHOULD KEEP INFORMED BY MONITORING THE LATEST
FORECASTS...STATEMENTS AND OUTLOOKS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT LIKELY TODAY WITH ONLY ISOLATED SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED.

&&

VISIT NWS LITTLE ROCK ON THE WEB. GO TO HTTP://WEATHER.GOV AND
CLICK ON CENTRAL ARKANSAS.

46

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

30 strong wind, 15 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Strong Wind, Lonoke

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Lonoke forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.754, -91.889 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds blew a very large oak tree down onto a house. A 32 year old woman was killed in her bed as the tree crashed into the house. Electrical lines were reported down, trees were uprooted and structures were damaged across the county.

Strong Wind, White

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: White forecast zone
Measured: 47 kt (54 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.256, -91.745 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Damage was reported on the campus of Harding University. Roof damage was reported to Reynolds Building. A light tower was blown down at the soccer field, and the baseball scoreboard was bent over. A large tree was blown down at the McRae exit along U.S. Highway 67/167. Several small trees and a fence were reported down. Power lines downed caused multiple power outages. Twenty-seven hundred customers were reportedly without power in the Searcy area. In Beebe, parts of the Humane Society building sustained damaged.

High Wind, Independence

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Independence forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 35.742, -91.570 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Shingles were blown off of building in Oil Trough. Numerous powers poles were blown loose from their anchoring, and trees fell across the roads all over the county. A portion of the roof on a church was blown off on Sidney Street in Batesville.

Strong Wind, Faulkner

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Faulkner forecast zone
Measured: 36 kt (41 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.147, -92.332 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds caused a tree to fall on a car which was traveling north on Arkansas Highway 285 at Bono. The driver was killed and the passenger was injured. Shingles were blown off of a house in Conway. Several small trees were blown down. Damage was reported to homes and storage sheds. A utility pole fell into power lines near the Faulkner County Museum.

High Wind, Conway

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Conway forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.262, -92.701 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds overturned an empty tractor trailer and blew it off Arkansas Highway 113 one mile northeast of Oppelo. The truck driver was injured. Wind gusts blew the doors off of a farm shop. The doors were 18 feet tall by 30 feet wide. Tree limbs were reported down causing power outages. Numerous sheets of tin roofing were removed from an adjacent building.

Strong Wind, Perry

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Perry forecast zone
Measured: 36 kt (41 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.947, -92.931 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees were reported down across Perry County. Six houses reported roof or structural damage. Numerous power lines were reported down. Bigelow High School sustained substantial damage to the roofs of the administration building and the agricultural building.

High Wind, Baxter

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Baxter forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.287, -92.337 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Structural damage was reported to several buildings and large limbs were reported down. A tree fell on a power line on Meadowbrook Drive in Mountain Home causing an electrical fire. Another tree fell on a power line at United States Highway 62 West near the Sheid-Hopper Bypass intersection causing a brush fire. A power line was blown down off Rocky Ridge Road in the Bell Cove area and started a grass fire. Trees were reported down at College and 10th Streets, Oakland Road and off Cochran Drive. A low power line was reported off of Arkansas Highway 178 in Lakeview. A private dock was reported to have broken loose near the Sycamore Springs Road area.

High Wind, Fulton

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Fulton forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 36.382, -91.818 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Reports indicated that 14,000 customers were without power due to high winds. Numerous trees were reported down. Damage was reported to several residential and business buildings.

High Wind, Boone

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Boone forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines and trees were reported down in Harrison, causing numerous road blockages. A large tree, 3 feet in diameter, was reported across White Oak Road.

High Wind, Yell

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Yell forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines were reported down. Numerous fires were reported throughout the county due to the downed power lines. Over 3000 residents and businesses lost electricity. Hundreds of roofs, awnings, metal carports, small buildings, poultry houses, and barns were damaged. Fallen trees caused damage to homes and buildings. Several homes in the Plainview area and some businesses suffered shingle damage. Damage was reported to the WYC High School building. Approximately 23 trees were down in Belleville Park.

Strong Wind, Clark

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Clark forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.051, -93.176 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees and power lines were reported down. Several roads were blocked due to downed trees. A large portion of the roof was blown off on main street in Arkadelphia. Winds damaged the south facing doors of Town Hall. Winds also damaged a building at the water department. A tree was reported down on Unity Road, a power line was down on Vaden Road, and a tree was down on Shiloh Road.

High Wind, Prairie

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Prairie forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.830, -91.553 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees and power lines were reported down. Damage was reported to many local businesses as well as street signs, billboards, windows and tin roofs in Hazen.

Strong Wind, Garland

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Garland forecast zone
Measured: 42 kt (48 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.577, -93.150 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The roof collapsed on a railroad salvage building, causing the entire building to collapse. Five thousand customers were reportedly without power.

Strong Wind, Cleveland

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Cleveland forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.898, -92.185 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees were reported down on roadways.

Strong Wind, Bradley

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Bradley forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.466, -92.162 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees were reported down on roadways.

Strong Wind, Saline

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Saline forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.647, -92.677 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees were reported down in eastern sections of the county. Large trees crushed two vehicles and one camper, but all were unoccupied. Shingles were reported off of houses.

High Wind, Cleburne

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Cleburne forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.538, -92.027 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees were reported down and grass fires were reported at more than 25 locations. One tree was reported down at Wilburn.

Strong Wind, Dallas

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Dallas forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.970, -92.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Power was out to 200 to 300 customers due to wind damage. Several trees were reported down in the Fordyce area. A tree fell on a power line on Holt Street breaking utility lines and several poles.

High Wind, Searcy

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Searcy forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power outages were reported at Marshall and Rose Hill communities. Also, outages were reported from Arkansas Highway 66 in Leslie to the Stone County line.

High Wind, Pope

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Pope forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines and trees were reported down causing numerous fires across the county. Eighty-three hundred customers were reportedly without power in the Russellville area. At least one boat dock on Lake Dardanelle in London was damaged after winds blew the dock and moored boats about 100 yards and into a levee.

High Wind, Logan

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Logan forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines and trees were reported down causing numerous fires across the county.

High Wind, Johnson

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Johnson forecast zone
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Newspaper

Power lines and trees were reported down, causing numerous fires across the county.

Strong Wind, Drew

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Drew forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.589, -91.720 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A power outage was reported in Monticello Square after power lines were blown down.

Strong Wind, Hot Spring

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Hot Spring forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 34.318, -92.946 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree fell across a power line on McBee Street. A few trees were reported down across the county. Also, a few homes had shingle damage. Power outages were reported around Bismarck.

High Wind, Pulaski

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Pulaski forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $3.0 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.770, -92.312 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sparks from downed power lines generated small fires over northern Pulaski County. Eleven thousand customers reportedly lacked power in the Little Rock area. At Little Rock Air Force Base, winds ripped into the roof of a hangar on the edge of the flight line and spread insulation and metal pieces across the area. Homes and trees were damaged on base as well. Damage at the air base was estimated at $2 million. A tree fell on a fence in a backyard on Colonial Drive in Jacksonville. Several trees were blown down in the Maumelle area. A 100-foot pine was knocked down near the Arkansas River. Another pine fell on a trailer park on Crystal Hill Road.

High Wind, Jefferson

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Jefferson forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.269, -91.931 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Power lines were reported down, property was damaged, and vehicles were swept off of roadways across the county.

Strong Wind, Marion

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 36.268, -92.684 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Newton

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Newton forecast zone
Measured: 42 kt (48 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: ASOS

Strong Wind, Stone

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Stone forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.860, -92.157 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Izard

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Izard forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 36.095, -91.913 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Damage was reported to the roof of a car dealership. Several shingles were lost to the Franklin Post Office. An awning was blown from a local business. Several homes in the Mobil Estates reported damage.

Strong Wind, Van Buren

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Van Buren forecast zone
Measured: 42 kt (48 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Strong Wind, Scott

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Scott forecast zone
Measured: 46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Strong Wind, Jackson

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Measured: 44 kt (51 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 35.599, -91.215 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Woodruff

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Woodruff forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 35.186, -91.243 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Arkansas

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Arkansas forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.291, -91.375 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tree fell on a vehicle in Stuttgart.

Strong Wind, Monroe

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Measured: 47 kt (54 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.678, -91.204 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Lincoln

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 33.958, -91.733 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Desha

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Desha forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 33.833, -91.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Calhoun

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Calhoun forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 33.558, -92.503 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Ouachita

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Ouachita forecast zone
Measured: 40 kt (46 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 33.593, -92.882 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several power lines were downed causing grass fires across the county. Downed power lines on Ouachita County roads 85 and 280 in Bearden were reported, with Ouachita 280 experiencing a small grass grass fire from the fallen, live wires. Fallen trees were also reported on Arkansas Highway 203 northwest of Bearden. A grass fire was caused by downed power lines on Arkansas Highway 9 near Eagle Mills. Power lines were down on United States Highway 79 north near Buena Vista. Power lines were reported down along Arkansas Highway 24 toward Bragg City and on the East Camden streets on Ingram and Gallivan. Power lines were reported down on Ouachita County Highway 177 near the Adam's Chapel Cemetery causing a grass fire. Two large oak trees were blown down along Ouachita County Highway 303 near Mills Creek.

Strong Wind, Polk

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Polk forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind, Montgomery

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Montgomery forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: ASOS

Strong Wind, Pike

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Pike forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.164, -93.656 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Grant

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Grant forecast zone
Measured: 36 kt (41 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 34.290, -92.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees and limbs knocked down power lines and caused minor roof damage across the county. Area businesses reported minor damage to signs and awnings. A barn in Prattsville was destroyed.

High Wind, Sharp

When: January 29, 11:00 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Sharp forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 36.161, -91.480 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A greenhouse at a local business blew into two vehicles, overturning one and damaging both. Trees were down in the road in the Poughkeepsie, Nelsonville, Ozark Acres and Williford areas. Shingles were blown off several buildings in Ash Flat. Poultry houses were damaged in the Sidney area.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Strong Wind, Lonoke	2008-01-29	32	Female	Permanent Home	Direct
Strong Wind, Faulkner	2008-01-29	35	Female	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Direct

What these are

Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Arkansas in 2008 Every state in 2008 This day in weather history Warnings in Arkansas, January 2008

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 74488, 74491, 74493, 74499, 74501, 74506, 74536, 74543, 74559, 74562, 74565, 74575, 74580, 74591, 74592, 74593, 74596, 74597, 74598, 74602, 74603, 74604, 74733, 74736, 74737, 74738, 74743, 74744, 74745, 74746, 74748, 74749, 77963, 77964, 77966, 77967, 77968, 77969, 77970, 77971, and more.