On the 1st, several inches of rain dumped from Mena (Polk County) and Waldron (Scott County) to Russellville (Pope County), and Mountain View (Stone County). The ground was already saturated in parts of the west after more than a foot of precipitation in August.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS LZK wrote it up.
On the 1st, several inches of rain dumped from Mena (Polk County) and Waldron (Scott County) to Russellville (Pope County), and Mountain View (Stone County).
The ground was already saturated in parts of the west after more than a foot of precipitation in August. Water had nowhere to go, and flooding became life threatening. At Waldron (Scott County), numerous roads were under water (including Highways 28 and 71), and this was spilling into homes and businesses. Local residents had to be rescued. Major flooding occurred along the Petit Jean River at Danville (Yell County), with a Top 10 highest crest by the 2nd.
County roads were flooded near the Petit Jean River at Booneville (Logan County). More county roads were inundated with water at Dardanelle (Yell County), and parts of Highways 27 and 28 were affected. An overflowing creek closed Highway 28 around Bluffton (Yell County). County roads were washed out near Hanover (Stone County). Highway 115 was flooded and shut down near Jessup (Lawrence County).
One storm produced three tornadoes from central into northeast sections of the state (Conway, Faulkner, and Cleburne Counties). The strongest of the tornadoes (rated EF2) cut a 5.3 mile swath through areas just south and southeast of Heber Springs (Cleburne County) between 300 pm and 330 pm CDT on the 1st. Tree damage was extensive, with numerous trees snapped four to five miles southeast of town. Some trees were on a home, and a few outbuildings were damaged.
The other two tornadoes (rated EF0/EF1) tracked just north of Plumerville and Menifee (both in Conway County), and northwest of Wooster and Greenbrier (both in Faulkner County). More trees were uprooted, and there was some minor structural damage.
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 Sep 1, 1:50 AM CST, 1 hour 10 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Little Rock AR 250 AM CDT Tue Sep 1 2020 .Significant flash flooding possible across portions of southwestern, western, and central Arkansas through Thursday morning... .SHORT TERM...Today Through Wednesday Night Regarding the short term, the fcst remains highly concerning for flooding potential across portions of Wrn, S/Wrn, and Cntrl AR over the next few days. Current radar mosaic imagery indicates some widespread convection over much of Ern OK, much of which has produced significant rainfall already early this AM. New development can be seen to south of ongoing storms, indicative of a LLJ of 20-30 kts, which will continue to fuel new convection through Tues morning beyond daybreak. Following early Mon morning convection over parts of Wrn and Cntrl AR, soil moisture remains excessive, leaving these areas extremely vulnerable to flash flooding. An airmass characterized by modest MLCAPE of 1500-2000 J/kg, and PWATs > 2" remains over the Wrn half of the state this morning. Hi-res CAM guidance continues to paint a training/backbuilding system along a stationary bndry, positioned over AR along the I-40 corridor. Along the bndry, sfc convergence will be maximized, in conjunction w/ the aforementioned LLJ and will support widespread rain and thunderstorms, of which will likely be efficient rainfall producers. High Chc PoPs will remain steady through Mon as the bndry advances slowly towards the N/E. Through the remainder of the fcst period, unsettled weather will persist as upper flow backs to become S/Wrly with an advancing shortwave trough. W/ no real alterations to the sfc airmass, rain and thunderstorms will continue across the Natural State as multiple perturbations traverse through the mean flow. && .LONG TERM...Thursday Through Monday A nearly stationary front near the Arkansas and Missouri border will begin pushing slowly southward on Thursday. Good chances of showers and thunderstorms will continue, but not for long. Later on Thursday/early Friday, a northwest wind flow aloft will drive a new cold front this way from the Plains. This front will barrel through the region, and will be followed by cooler and drier air. High pressure will build behind the Plains front, with no rain in the forecast through the weekend. Yet another cold front will arrive from the northwest as the period ends with chances of precipitation returning. Below to well below normal temperatures are in the forecast through the period. && .HYDROLOGY... Widespread rainfall totaling 2 to 6 or more inches is expected through mid/late week over much of western and southwestern Arkansas as well as portions of central Arkansas. Saturated soils and significant runoff from this morning's rain event are filling rivers across these areas... namely the Petit Jean, Fourche Lafave, and Ouachita Rivers. Uncertainty regarding the exact placement of heaviest rain in the coming days makes it difficult to ascertain how much of a river flood threat there will be, but preliminary forecast and modeling data suggest minor flooding will indeed be possible if not likely. Flash flooding is also likely on small, flashy creeks and tributaries. Other tributaries (e.g., the Caddo and Little Missouri Rivers) as well as the Saline River will be close enough to where heavy rain is expected that they will need to be monitored. Any outdoor/recreational interests on or near any waterway in western, southwestern, and central Arkansas should remain vigilant and updated with the latest forecast information. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Batesville AR 84 72 83 71 / 80 60 80 50 Camden AR 91 75 88 73 / 50 40 50 30 Harrison AR 79 69 80 68 / 90 60 70 40 Hot Springs AR 86 73 84 72 / 70 70 80 50 Little Rock AR 88 74 85 72 / 70 60 70 50 Monticello AR 91 76 90 73 / 40 30 40 30 Mount Ida AR 84 72 81 69 / 80 70 80 50 Mountain Home AR 79 70 81 69 / 90 60 70 50 Newport AR 84 73 83 72 / 80 60 80 50 Pine Bluff AR 90 75 88 72 / 50 40 60 40 Russellville AR 83 72 82 71 / 90 70 80 50 Searcy AR 87 73 85 71 / 80 60 80 50 Stuttgart AR 88 75 87 73 / 60 50 60 40 && .LZK Watches/Warnings/Advisories... Flash Flood Watch through Thursday morning FOR Clark-Conway- Dallas-Faulkner-Garland-Grant-Hot Spring-Johnson-Logan- Montgomery-Perry-Pike-Polk-Pope-Pulaski-Saline-Scott-Yell. && Short Term...GREEN / Long Term...46
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Little Rock AR 302 AM CDT Tue Sep 1 2020 ARZ003>008-012>017-021>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>069-020815- Boone-Marion-Baxter-Fulton-Sharp-Randolph-Newton-Searcy-Stone- Izard-Independence-Lawrence-Johnson-Pope-Van Buren-Cleburne- Jackson-Logan-Conway-Faulkner-White-Woodruff-Scott-Yell-Perry- Polk-Montgomery-Garland-Saline-Pulaski-Lonoke-Prairie-Monroe-Pike- Clark-Hot Spring-Grant-Jefferson-Arkansas-Dallas-Cleveland- Lincoln-Desha-Ouachita-Calhoun-Bradley-Drew- 302 AM CDT Tue Sep 1 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for a Large Part of Arkansas. .DAY ONE...Tonight Tuesday, widespread rain and thunderstorms will persist over western and central Arkansas. Excessive soil moisture content across western and southwestern Arkansas has left the region extremely vulnerable to flash flooding, prompting the continuation of the flash flood watch. Heavy rainfall associated with thunderstorms through Tuesday could bring another 2+ inches to the region, and pose a significant flash flooding threat. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday Through Monday Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will continue on Wednesday, especially in northern and western sections of the state. One to more than two inches of rain could occur in the north and west. Additional flash flooding is possible, especially in portions of the Ouachita Mountains where the ground is nearly saturated. Precipitation will build to the south on Thursday, and will not tend to be as widespread and heavy. Drier air will arrive from the north on Friday, with rain mostly ending through the weekend. .Spotter Information Statement... Spotter activation will not be needed. && Visit NWS Little Rock on the web. Go to http://weather.gov/lzk. 232/46
The Western Arkansas radar (KSRX), 50 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 09:02 UTC.
30 flash flood, 9 heavy rain, 3 tornado, 3 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The Scott County sheriff's office reported several roads in Waldron were closed due to high water.
The Yell County sheriff's office reported flash flooding on Hwy. 27 in the Aly community.
The Yell County sheriff's office reported flash flooding on Hwy. 27 in Rover near Turnabout Rd.
The Yell County sheriff's office reported flash flooding on Hwy. 27 north of Danville.
The Polk County sheriff's office reported flash flooding on Hwy. 88 in the Ink community.
The Polk County sheriff's office reported flash flooding on Hwy. 375, southeast of Mena.
The Montgomery County sheriff's office reported parts of Hwy. 270 and Hwy. 27 were closed due to high water.
The Pine Ridge COOP observer reported 4.02 inches of rain.
The Waldron COOP observer measured 7.00 inches of rain in a 24 hour period.
Roads were flooded near Onyx.
Roads were flooded in and near Plainview.
Roads were flooded in and near Chickalah.
A water rescue was performed near Cherry Hill in eastern Polk County.
Flash flooding was reported at Fairgrounds Rd. in Ash Flat.
Highway 175 near Cherokee Village was inundated with high water.
Parts of Hwy. 88E near the Polk and Montgomery County border were underwater and impassable.
Many bridges and roads, including Hwy. 28 and 71, across Scott County are underwater and/or washed out.
There was a swift water incident along Walnut Valley Rd. just south of Hwy. 7.
Standing water was reported over roads across Garland County.
Many county roads were underwater near the Petit Jean River.
Multiple county roads were underwater. Reports indicated State Highways 27 and 28 were underwater.
Reports were received of parts of Highways 270, 27, and 88 were flooded in Montgomery County.
Some streets in and near Walnut Ridge were reported underwater.
A water rescue was reported along Hwy. 248 West in Scott County.
Widespread flooding and multiple water rescues were reported across the county and water was getting into homes and buildings in some locations.
Multiple house and vehicle rescues were performed as a result of widespread flooding in Polk County. Highway 71 was reported as flooded along with several county roads.
This tornado started along Carney Valley Road northeast of|Plumerville and moved northeast to near the intersection of Mt.|Olive and Chapel roads before lifting shortly thereafter. Damage|consisted of mainly tree damage, along with damage to|outbuildings and minor damage to a couple homes.
Trees and power lines were blown down and trees were down on several roofs. Several outbuildings were damaged or destroyed.
Video evidence shows a tornado southwest of the Shady Grove|community off of State Hwy 285. Ground survey information shows|this EF0 tornado tracked northeast across that highway, causing some|damage to trees. This tornado lifted shortly after crossing|Burkett Flat Road, with additional tree damage observed.
Multiple trees were down and roofs were off of mobile homes from East Republican Rd. to Hwy. 25 between Greenbrier and Guy.
Multiple trees were down and roofs were off of mobile homes from East Republican Rd. to Hwy. 25 between Greenbrier and Guy.
The COOP observer at Gravelly measured 4.15 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.
The COOP observer at Gravelly measured 4.15 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.
This tornado formed near Candlestick Road east of Hwy 5, damaging several trees and an outbuilding. The tornado continued northeast damaging more trees and outbuildings along Blakey Circle and Blakey Road. The tornado then continued northeast crossing the Little Red River along Wildflower Road, snapping many healthy trees. This is where the strongest winds were noted. The tornado lifted shortly after this location.
Multiple trees were down near Hwy. 285, Shady Grove Lane and Bethleham Rd.
The Oden RAWS sited measured 5.13 inches of rain since midnight.
The Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport measured 4.92 inches of rain since midnight.
The automated gauge at the Fourche Lafave River near Gravelly measured 4.30 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.
The automated gauge at Board Camp Creek southeast of Nunley measured 4.25 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.
The automated gauge on the Petit Jean River south southeast of Booneville measured 3.94 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.
Highway 28 was closed in both directions due to water over the road at Gafford Creek.
Water was reported about a foot and a half over Roy Taylor Rd. north of Russellville.
The Stone County EM reported several washed out county roads in the area from heavy rain.
Standing water was reported over parts of roads across Sharp County.
Water was over parts of roads in Lawrence County, with reports of accidents.
Highway 115 was closed in both directions due to water being over the road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Arkansas in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Arkansas, 2020Warnings in Arkansas, September 2020
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: 920010, 920011, 920012, 920013, 920014, 920015, 920016, 920017, 920018, 920019, 920020, 920021, 920029, 920033, 920034, 920036, 920038, 920040, 920102, 920099, 920100, 920101, 920103, 920104, 920105, 920123, 920113, 920115, 920116, 920117, 920109, 920110, 920114, 920118, 920106, 920107, 920108, 920111, 920112, 920122, and more.