Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds in Arkansas, August 29 to 31, 2012

Name: Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds in Arkansas, August 29 to 31, 2012
Start: 2012-08-29T18:00
End: 2012-08-31T23:59
Location: Arkansas

August 29 to 31, 2012 · NWS LZK · 76 events in 45 counties and zones

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: 0
Injuries: 3
Property damage: $30 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 76

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.

Although Isaac was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, it had weakened to a tropical depression by the time it reached Arkansas. Isaac passed through western Arkansas on the evening of the 30th and during the day on the 31st. Positions from the National Hurricane Center and the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center: August 30th at 10 PM (CDT) 95 miles south-southwest of Little Rock, August 31st at 4 AM 95 miles west of Little Rock, August 31st at 10 AM 25 miles northeast of Fort Smith, and August 31st at 4 PM 40 miles east of Joplin, Missouri. Although Isaac had exited Arkansas by the end of the month, some effects, including bands of thunderstorms spiraling in toward its center, continued through September 1st into the wee hours of the 2nd. Isaac brought sustained winds of 23 to 33 mph and wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph in many parts of the state. The highest sustained wind in the Little Rock County Warning Area was 33 mph at Little Rock Air Force Base, and the strongest gust was 46 mph at the Pine Bluff airport. The strong winds over a prolonged period caused large numbers of trees to fall. Some of these trees had been weakened by the ongoing drought. Falling limbs and trees took down power lines, leaving more than 20,000 electric customers in the dark. Isaac also brought widespread rain. Three injuries were reported. Two people were injured in Little Rock when a tree fell on a car parked in a driveway; one person was injured in White Hall (Jefferson Co.) when a tree fell on a car. Where bands of showers and thunderstorms lingered over a particular area or where rain moved over the same area repeatedly, flash flooding occurred. Some of the larger storm totals included 11.29 inches at White Hall (Jefferson Co.), 10.70 inches at Griffithville (White Co.), 10.65 inches at the Pine Bluff Water Plant (Jefferson Co.), 8.90 inches at the Pine Bluff airport, 8.88 inches at Judsonia (White Co.), 8.40 inches at Steprock (White Co.), and 8.11 inches at Fordyce (Dallas Co.). The lowest barometric pressure reported in the Little Rock County Warning area was 29.51 inches at Camden. The combination of wind and rain caused damage in the rice crop, due to lodging of the rice. Cotton, corn, and soybeans appeared to have only minor damage. The rain improved prospects for the hay crop, and pastures providing forage for livestock improved.

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 Aug 29, 2:00 PM CST, 4 hours earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 29, 2:00 PM CST, 4 hours before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATE FOR AVIATION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR
640 PM CDT WED AUG 2012

.AVIATION...
OVERALL VFR CONDITIONS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT AS MID AND HIGH CLOUDS
MOVE OVER AR FROM ISAAC AS IT DRIFTS NW. WINDS WILL BE NE TO E 10 TO
20 KNOTS THIS EVENING LOWERING TO 5 TO 15 OVERNIGHT. WINDS WILL BE
HIGHEST OVER SOUTHERN AR AT KLLQ AND KPBF. THURSDAY MORNING VFR
CEILINGS WILL SPREAD OVER SOUTHERN TO CENTRAL AR. ISOLATED TO
SCATTERED SHOWERS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN AR FIRST THEN SPREAD OVER
MOST OF CENTRAL AR INTO THE AFTERNOON TO EVENING. GRADUALLY PATCHY
MVFR CEILINGS THURSDAY AFTERNOON TO EVENING WITH BETTER CHANCES OF
RAIN. WINDS ON THURSDAY WILL BE NE TO SE AT 10 TO KNOTS WITH GUSTS
TO 25 KNOTS. (59)

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 300 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012/

.SHORT TERM...TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT
MAIN FORECAST CONCERN CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON TROPICAL STORM
ISAAC...AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE FORECAST AREA. PRECIPITATION
TIMING...AND AMOUNTS CONTINUE TO CLOSELY FOLLOW NHC
FORECASTS...WHICH REFLECT A MORE WESTERN TRACK FOR THE TROPICAL
SYSTEM THAN PREVIOUS FORECAST TRACKS.

WILL NEED TO CLOSELY MONITOR CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR EXCESSIVE
RAINFALL...AS WELL AS ANY TORNADIC POTENTIAL ASSOCIATED WITH
REMAINING OUTER BAND WITH ISSAC.

OVERALL HAZARDOUS WEATHER THREATS SHOULD MOVE AWAY OF THE CWA BY
LATE FRIDAY.

55

&&

.LONG TERM...SUNDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY
REMNANTS OF ISAAC SHOULD BE OUT OF THE STATE BY THE EXTENDED
TERM...ALTHOUGH THE MODELS DO HAVE SOME DISAGREEMENT WITH THEIR
HANDLING OF THE SYSTEM AS IT LEAVES THE STATE. OVERALL I PREFER THE
ECMWF SOLUTION...WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR SOME LINGERING CLOUDINESS AND
RAIN CHANGES OF THE BACK SIDE OF THE SYSTEM IN THE NERN ZONES SUNDAY
AND PERHAPS INTO MONDAY.

53

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
BATESVILLE AR     69  89  71  83 /   0  50  70  70
CAMDEN AR         77  81  72  85 /  30  80  90  80
HARRISON AR       68  88  69  78 /   0  30  70  80
HOT SPRINGS AR    74  85  71  81 /  10  60  90  90
LITTLE ROCK   AR  75  86  73  83 /  10  70  80  80
MONTICELLO AR     76  83  73  87 /  40  80  90  70
MOUNT IDA AR      69  86  71  80 /  10  60  90  90
MOUNTAIN HOME AR  68  89  70  81 /   0  30  60  80
NEWPORT AR        71  89  72  85 /  10  50  60  70
PINE BLUFF AR     75  84  72  85 /  20  80  90  80
RUSSELLVILLE AR   71  88  72  81 /  10  50  90  90
SEARCY AR         73  88  72  83 /  10  60  70  70
STUTTGART AR      74  86  72  85 /  20  70  80  70
&&

.LZK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT 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.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 29, 4:30 PM CST, 1 hour 30 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR
530 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012

ARZ003>007-012>016-021>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>069-301000-
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-
530 PM CDT WED AUG 29 2012

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

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

CLOUDS WILL BE INCREASING THROUGH THE NIGHT TIME HOURS AS CLOUDS AND
MOISTURE BEGIN TO OVERSPREAD THE STATE AS TROPICAL STORM ISAAC
STARTS TO MOVE IN OUR DIRECTION. ONLY A FEW SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE
OVER THE SOUTH TONIGHT WITH THE REMAINDER OF THE AREA REMAINING DRY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE ISAAC ARE EXPECTED TO BE OVER NORTH
CENTRAL LOUISIANA EARLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND MOVING INTO SOUTHWEST
ARKANSAS DURING THE LATE EVENING HOURS. THE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO
TRAVEL THROUGH WESTERN ARKANSAS BEFORE EXITING INTO SOUTHERN
MISSOURI FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THE TRACK OF THIS STORM WILL PRODUCE
HEAVY AMOUNTS OF RAIN ACROSS THE LITTLE ROCK COUNTY WARNING AREA.
REMEMBER THAT HEAVY RAINFALL AT ANY TIME CAN LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING
EVEN IN AREAS EXPERIENCING PROLONGED DROUGHT.

PRECIPITATION FROM THE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO START AFFECTING THE
SOUTH AS EARLY AS LATE FRIDAY MORNING WITH RAINFALL BECOMING MORE
WIDESPREAD BY THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL
ALSO BE POSSIBLE. FROM THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY...A WIDESPREAD
RAINFALL OF TWO TO FIVE INCHES WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS GREATER THAN SIX
INCHES IS EXPECTED. FOR THIS REASON...A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN
EFFECT FOR A LARGE PART OF ARKANSAS THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE
FRIDAY NIGHT.

WITH THE APPROACH OF THE STORM...WINDS WILL BECOME GUSTY. BY LATE
THURSDAY...WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WILL BE COMMON...WITH GUSTS OF 40
MPH OR HIGHER POSSIBLE. THE WIND WILL CREATE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
ON AREA BODIES OF WATER. SOME HIGH-PROFILE VEHICLES COULD HAVE
DIFFICULTY...ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.

DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF WIND ENERGY WITH THE SYSTEM AND THE
TURNING OF THE WINDS WITH HEIGHT...TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE...
PRIMARILY NEAR AND TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE CENTER. THESE
TORNADOES ARE GENERALLY SHORT-LIVED AND TEND TO BE FAST-MOVING.

THERE IS STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY WITH RESPECT TO THE POTENTIAL PATH
OF ISAAC. ANY SHIFT IN THE EXPECTED TRACK OR SLOWDOWN IN THE
SYSTEM CAN BRING MORE OR LESS RAINFALL FOR YOUR AREA OR PROLONG
ANY EFFECTS FROM THE STORM.

ONCE THE REMNANTS OF ISAAC MOVE OUT OF ARKANSAS ON SATURDAY...DRY
WEATHER WILL RETURN...WITH WARM TEMPERATURES TO START OUT NEXT
WEEK.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT ANTICIPATED TODAY AND TONIGHT. HOWEVER...
IT MAY BECOME NECESSARY BY LATE THURSDAY.

&&

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

57/56

The radar

The Little Rock radar (KLZK), 150 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:59 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

45 tropical depression, 23 heavy rain, 5 flash flood, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Tropical Depression, Ouachita

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Ouachita forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.593, -92.882 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Calhoun

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Calhoun forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.558, -92.503 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Cleveland

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Cleveland forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.898, -92.185 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Lincoln

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.958, -91.733 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Desha

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Desha forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.833, -91.254 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Bradley

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Bradley forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.466, -92.162 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Drew

When: August 29, 6:00 PM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Drew forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.589, -91.720 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Scott

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Scott forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Yell

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Yell forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Perry

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Perry forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.947, -92.931 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Polk

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Polk forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Montgomery

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Montgomery forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Garland

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Garland forecast zone
Property damage: $1.3 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.577, -93.150 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Saline

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Saline forecast zone
Property damage: $1.3 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.647, -92.677 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Pulaski

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Pulaski forecast zone
Injuries: 2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $2.5 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.770, -92.312 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Lonoke

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Lonoke forecast zone
Property damage: $750,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.754, -91.889 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Prairie

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Prairie forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.830, -91.553 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Monroe

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.678, -91.204 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Pike

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Pike forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.164, -93.656 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Clark

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Clark forecast zone
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.051, -93.176 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Hot Spring

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Hot Spring forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.318, -92.946 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Grant

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Grant forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.290, -92.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Jefferson

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Jefferson forecast zone
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $2.5 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.269, -91.931 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ten homes were damaged by falling trees. The roof was blown off one business.

Tropical Depression, Arkansas

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Arkansas forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 34.291, -91.375 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Dallas

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Dallas forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 33.970, -92.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy Rain, Drew

When: August 30, 12:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Drew County, Monticello Muni Arpt
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 33.630, -91.750

Rainfall measured 4.02 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Cleveland

When: August 30, 3:00 AM CST to August 31, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Cleveland County, Kingsland
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.850, -92.300

Rainfall measured 6.95 inches in 31 hours.

Tropical Depression, Boone

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Boone forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Marion

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.268, -92.684 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Baxter

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Baxter forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.287, -92.337 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Fulton

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Fulton forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.382, -91.818 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Sharp

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Sharp forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.161, -91.480 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Newton

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Newton forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Searcy

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Searcy forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Stone

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Stone forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.860, -92.157 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Izard

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Izard forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 36.095, -91.913 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Woodruff

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Woodruff forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.186, -91.243 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Jackson

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.599, -91.215 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Independence

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Independence forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.742, -91.570 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, White

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: White forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.256, -91.745 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Cleburne

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Cleburne forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.538, -92.027 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Faulkner

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Faulkner forecast zone
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.147, -92.332 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Van Buren

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Van Buren forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Conway

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Conway forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 35.262, -92.701 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tropical Depression, Pope

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Pope forecast zone
Property damage: $750,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Johnson

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Johnson forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Tropical Depression, Logan

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 11:59 PM CST
Where: Logan forecast zone
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Heavy Rain, Dallas

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Dallas County, Fordyce
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.820, -92.420

Rainfall measured 6.10 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Lincoln

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 1.72 mi S of Crigler
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.926, -91.785

Rainfall measured 5.39 inches in 24 hours at Cane Creek State Park.

Heavy Rain, Saline

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Saline County, Benton
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 34.570, -92.580

Rainfall measured 4.08 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Desha

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Desha County, 2 mi NNE of Rohwer
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.797, -91.267

Rainfall measured 4.99 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Desha

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Desha County, Arkansas City
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.620, -91.200

Rainfall measured 5.00 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.8 mi SE of White Hall
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 34.262, -92.090

Rainfall measured 4.60 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, White

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: White County, 0.1 mi ENE of Griffithville
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 35.121, -91.648

Rainfall measured 5.50 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Drew

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Drew County, 1.6 mi WNW of Monticello
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 33.639, -91.826

Rainfall measured 5.09 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Calhoun

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Calhoun County, 7 mi SE of Hampton
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 33.458, -92.384

Rainfall measured 4.12 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 4 mi NNW of White Hall
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 34.324, -92.127

Rainfall measured 5.08 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson County, (Pbf)pine Bluff Arpt
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.180, -91.930

Rainfall measured 8.50 inches in 28 hours.

Heavy Rain, Desha

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Desha County, Kelso
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.800, -91.270

Rainfall measured 4.74 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 30, 6:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2 mi SW of Pine Bluff
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 34.200, -92.045

Rainfall measured 5.80 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 30, 8:00 AM CST to August 31, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson County, Pine Bluff
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.220, -92.020

A storm spotter measured 8.50 inches of rain in 25 hours.

Heavy Rain, White

When: August 30, 9:00 AM CST to August 31, 6:00 AM CST
Where: White County, Steprock
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 35.420, -91.680

Rainfall measured 4.65 inches in 21 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 31, 12:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, (Pbf)pine Bluff Arpt
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.180, -91.930

Rainfall measured 4.61 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, White

When: August 31, 12:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: White County, Searcy Muni Arpt
Reported by: AWSS
Coordinates: 35.220, -91.730

Rainfall measured 4.19 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Prairie

When: August 31, 12:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Prairie County, (Sgt)stuttgart Municipal Airport
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.600, -91.570

Rainfall measured 4.29 inches in 24 hours.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: August 31, 6:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.8 mi SE of White Hall
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 34.262, -92.090

Rainfall measured 6.10 inches from 6 AM on the 31st to 6 AM on the 1st.

Heavy Rain, White

When: August 31, 6:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: White County, 7.3 mi NNW of Judsonia
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 35.378, -91.680

Rainfall measured 5.61 inches from 6 AM on the 31st to 6 AM on the 1st.

Heavy Rain, White

When: August 31, 6:00 AM CST to 11:59 PM CST
Where: White County, 4.1 mi SE of Searcy
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 35.208, -91.699

Rainfall measured 4.34 inches from 6 AM on the 31st to 6 AM on the 1st.

Flash Flood, Dallas

When: August 31, 6:30 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, 1.32 mi NE of Beech Grove to 1.47 mi S of Beech Grove
Cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.836, -92.437

Torrential rains caused flash flooding in Fordyce. Water on streets ranged from several inches to several feet deep.

Flash Flood, Jefferson

When: August 31, 7:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.46 mi WSW of White Hall to 1.76 mi SE of Sulphur Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: $750,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.258, -92.121

Numerous streets in Pine Bluff flooded. A couple of cars floated down U.S. 63. Some homes were sandbagged, but at least 10 homes had water in them, as did four businesses and three government buildings. Several high water rescues were necessary. Schools in Pine Bluff dismissed early. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff cancelled afternoon classes. The county judge declared a disaster due to the flooding.

Flash Flood, Jefferson

When: August 31, 8:30 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.45 mi E of Ferda to 2.84 mi NE of Tucker
Cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.450, -91.962

Areas around Tucker flooded, and flood waters approached Tucker Maximum Security Prison. Water seeped into the newly renovated chapel at the prison.

Flash Flood, Lonoke

When: August 31, 9:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Lonoke County, 2.02 mi NE of Toltec to 2.42 mi WSW of England Flying Svc A
Cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.669, -92.023

Several roads went underwater and had to be barricaded. Portions of Arkansas 13, 15, and 31 flooded. Several homes and one church on U.S. 165 had water up to their doors. Schools in England were dismissed early due to hazardous road conditions.

Flash Flood, Prairie

When: August 31, 10:30 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Prairie County, 1.52 mi NE of Four Mile Corner to 1.57 mi ESE of Four Mile Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.987, -91.532

Several roads were underwater and had to be barricaded.

Thunderstorm Wind, Arkansas

When: August 31, 6:15 PM CST
Where: Arkansas County, Gillett
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 34.120, -91.370

A couple of power poles were blown down around Gillett.

Thunderstorm Wind, Arkansas

When: August 31, 6:20 PM CST
Where: Arkansas County, De Witt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 34.300, -91.330

A couple of power poles were blown down around DeWitt.

Lightning, Saline

When: August 31, 8:40 PM CST
Where: Saline County, 3.4 mi NNE of Bland
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.725, -92.655

Lightning struck a house at Lake Norrell, starting a fire. There was some damage to the roof.

What these are

Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds below 34 knots.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Arkansas in 2012 Every state in 2012 This day in weather history Warnings in Arkansas, August 2012 The 2012 hurricane season

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: 398629, 398630, 398631, 398632, 398633, 398634, 398722, 398635, 398636, 398638, 398639, 398640, 398642, 398643, 398645, 398646, 398647, 398648, 398650, 398651, 398652, 398653, 398654, 398655, 398723, 398947, 398976, 398656, 398702, 398703, 398704, 398705, 398706, 398707, 398709, 398710, 398711, 398712, 398713, 398714, and more.