Scattered strong to severe storms formed into a line across portions of northwestern and northern Arkansas along and ahead of an advancing cold front. The line made it into central sections of the state by early evening, and into the south during the overnight hours of the 21st.
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.
Scattered strong to severe storms formed into a line across portions of northwestern and northern Arkansas along and ahead of an advancing cold front. The line made it into central sections of the state by early evening, and into the south during the overnight hours of the 21st.
Dry weather and above normal temperatures returned to the state for a few days before yet another storm system would impact the state on the 21st. Ahead of a strong cold front, there was a risk of severe weather stretching from the Texas/Mexico border northeastward to the Maine/Canada border. Thunderstorms initially developed across north/northwest Arkansas before forming into a line and marching east. While a brief, weak tornado occurred across Newton County, the most widespread damage occurred across portions of north central into northeast Arkansas. Numerous trees were blown down from Sharp County into portions of Lawrence and Randolph Counties. Additional storms developed later during the evening of May 21st across portions of western into central and southern Arkansas. Severe weather reports weren't widespread, but a second brief tornado developed near Royal in Garland County.
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 May 21, 1:29 PM CST, 16 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Little Rock AR 229 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022 .SHORT TERM...Today Through Monday Night Latest radar imgry depicted scattered showers/storms all around the FA this afternoon, w/ some stronger multicell activity noted over the N/E where remnants from overnight convection have become re- invigorated w/ diurnal trends and begun to move E/wrd at a faster motion. An outflow bndry was located along the Wrn portion of the I- 40 corridor, arcing back towards the N/E into N/E AR where it is more co-located w/ ongoing storms. Lastly, the advancing cold frnt appears to be into N/Wrn AR, w/ some scattered storm activity beginning to develop in S/W MO. Though storms have begun to develop along the frnt in S/W MO, the aforementioned outflow bndry wl also be a focus point for additional development as the afternoon progresses. Through the remainder of the day, the potential for increasing coverage of thunderstorms along the advancing cold frnt remains prominent, though mesoanalysis data suggests most of the N/Wrn portion of the state is well worked over from morning convection, w/ a gradient of MLCAPE in excess of 3000 J/kg extending from W-S/W to E-N/E over the Nrn two rows of counties. Most CAM guidance has been consistent in the last 36 to 48 hours on the evolution of storms along this frnt, w/ the primary threat through the afternoon and later evening tonight including swaths of strong to damaging winds from bowing segments, though large hail, and perhaps a few brief QLCS tornadoes should shear/outflow balances arise, w/ stronger effective shear residing over the Nrn portion of the state invof an upper-lvl jet max. In addition to a severe weather threat, anomalous tropospheric column moisture is abundant across the FA, with a plume of 1.6" to 1.8" PWATs extending over the region. Thunderstorms that develop wl lkly have extremely efficient rainfall rates, w/ 2"/hr possible if storms begin to train, and local flash flooding could occur. Sun thru Mon, the cold frnt should clear the S/Ern portion of the state by Sun morning, w/ prominent Nrly winds driving drier air into the Natural State. In the wake of the frnt, sfc high pressure wl settle over the region, w/ PoPs tapering off from N/W to S/E through Sun morning, and settled/dry wx persisting through the end of the PD, w/ a brief stint of below normal daily high temps. && .LONG TERM...Tuesday Through Friday A wet and unsettled pattern is expected for the long term across AR. Aloft, SW flow will be in place between a trough over the Rockies/Srn Plains and a ridge over the Wrn Atlantic Ocean. A shortwave embedded in the larger parent flow will traverse across the state on Tuesday before the entire trough ejects out of the plains and across the MS Valley region Wednesday into early Thursday. These two features are anticipated to trigger two rounds of heavier showers and thunderstorms within areas of already scattered convection. At the surface, the warm front lifting N from the short term period should be N of AR, with a return of rich/moist tropical air encompassing the region. Heavy rainfall is expected Tuesday through Tuesday. Given PW values may range from 1.5 to 2 inches, plus a quasi-stationary SW to NE upper flow, this will set the stage for the potent of heavy rainfall across the Srn MS Valley. While some severe weather could be possible, especially once the upper trough pivots through, the main story will be amount of rainfall possible. As of now, the potential exists for two to more than five inches of precipitation across a large portion of AR through the long term. The threat for flash flooding should remain low to moderate due to the spread out duration of precipitation, however this will be monitored. Rises on areas streams and rivers are likely though. Precipitation is expected to wind down Thursday has high pressure at the surface and upper level ridging aloft moves into the region. Dry air will return and temperatures will cool to slightly below average. Nice weather is expected on Friday. Temperatures will be near normal mid week thanks to cloud cover and precipitation, with lows slightly above average for the same reasons. Temperatures are expected to fall into the 50s for lows Friday morning, with highs in the 60s and 70s Thursday, and 70s to 80s for highs on Friday. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Batesville AR 56 65 54 73 / 90 20 10 10 Camden AR 63 70 58 79 / 90 50 10 20 Harrison AR 49 64 50 68 / 80 10 10 20 Hot Springs AR 58 66 56 75 / 90 40 10 20 Little Rock AR 60 68 59 76 / 100 30 10 10 Monticello AR 64 71 59 78 / 90 70 20 30 Mount Ida AR 56 66 55 75 / 90 30 10 20 Mountain Home AR 51 66 51 69 / 80 10 10 10 Newport AR 58 65 56 73 / 90 30 10 10 Pine Bluff AR 63 68 60 77 / 90 50 10 20 Russellville AR 56 67 55 73 / 90 20 10 20 Searcy AR 58 66 55 74 / 90 30 10 10 Stuttgart AR 62 67 60 75 / 90 40 10 10 && .LZK Watches/Warnings/Advisories...NONE. && Short Term...232 / Long Term...70
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Little Rock AR 233 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022 ARZ004>008-014>017-024-025-031>034-039-042>047-052>057-062>069- 103-112-113-121>123-130-137-138-140-141-203-212-213-221>223-230- 237-238-240-241-313-340-341-221945- Marion-Baxter-Fulton-Sharp-Randolph-Stone-Izard-Independence- Lawrence-Cleburne-Jackson-Conway-Faulkner-White-Woodruff-Perry- Garland-Saline-Pulaski-Lonoke-Prairie-Monroe-Pike-Clark- Hot Spring-Grant-Jefferson-Arkansas-Dallas-Cleveland-Lincoln- Desha-Ouachita-Calhoun-Bradley-Drew-Boone County Except Southwest- Newton County Higher Elevations-Searcy County Lower Elevations- Southern Johnson County-Southern Pope County- Southeast Van Buren County-Western and Northern Logan County- Northern Scott County-Northwest Yell County- Polk County Lower Elevations- Central and Eastern Montgomery County- Boone County Higher Elevations-Newton County Lower Elevations- Northwest Searcy County Higher Elevations- Johnson County Higher Elevations-Pope County Higher Elevations- Van Buren County Higher Elevations- Southern and Eastern Logan County- Central and Southern Scott County-Yell Excluding Northwest- Northern Polk County Higher Elevations- Northern Montgomery County Higher Elevations- Eastern, Central, and Southern Searcy County Higher Elevations- Southeast Polk County Higher Elevations- Southwest Montgomery County Higher Elevations- 233 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for a Large Part of Arkansas. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Storms will become more widespread through today into tonight, first across northwestern and northern Arkansas, and spreading southeast with time. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary threats with some tornado potential with any isolated storms. Localized flooding will also be possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday Through Friday Showers and thunderstorms will exit toward the Gulf Coast on Sunday, with precipitation becoming more isolated to scattered through Monday. Another round of storms is expected Tuesday into Thursday. While spotty severe weather is possible through Wednesday, the main concern will be areas of heavy rain. The forecast calls for two to more than five inches of rain, with the highest amounts in southwest sections of the state. Given this much rain, flash flooding and rises on area rivers are becoming more likely. This could be a significant high water event in parts of the state, so Arkansans are advised to continue monitoring this developing situation. .Spotter Information Statement... Spotter activation will be needed today and tonight. && Visit NWS Little Rock on the web. Go to http://weather.gov/lzk. 232/70
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
1132 AM CDT Sat May 21 2022
ARZ006>008-017-211715-
Lawrence AR-Randolph AR-Sharp AR-Fulton AR-
1132 AM CDT Sat May 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Randolph,
east central Fulton, northwestern Lawrence and northeastern Sharp
Counties through 1215 PM CDT...
At 1131 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Highland in Sharp County, or near Cherokee Village, moving east at 25
mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Cherokee Village... Black Rock...
Highland in Sharp County... Hardy...
Imboden... Ravenden...
Portia... Ravenden Springs...
Annieville... Dalton...
Smithville... Williford...
Powhatan... Armstrong...
Wirth... Birdell...
Sitka... Center...
Warm Springs... Eleven Point...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3606 9102 3611 9158 3644 9149 3650 9107
3650 9100
TIME...MOT...LOC 1631Z 265DEG 22KT 3627 9150
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
230Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
1215 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
ARZ007-008-017-211800-
Lawrence AR-Randolph AR-Sharp AR-
1215 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Randolph, Lawrence
and southeastern Sharp Counties through 100 PM CDT...
At 1215 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Dalton to Ravenden to 6 miles northeast of Cave
City. Movement was east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Pocahontas... Walnut Ridge...
Hoxie... Black Rock...
Lake Charles State Park... Imboden...
Ravenden... Reyno...
College City... Portia...
Maynard... Biggers...
Lynn... O'Kean...
Ravenden Springs... Minturn...
Annieville... Dalton...
Attica... Sedgwick...
This includes US Highway 67 between mile markers 115 and 121.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3611 9077 3608 9082 3599 9086 3598 9084
3595 9086 3603 9159 3622 9137 3646 9124
3650 9100 3650 9078 3649 9077 3643 9078
3641 9075 3628 9075 3628 9078 3629 9079
3629 9081 3615 9081 3615 9075
TIME...MOT...LOC 1715Z 266DEG 20KT 3642 9112 3622 9123 3600 9145
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
230Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
218 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
ARZ112-203-212-211945-
Newton County Higher Elevations AR-Newton County Lower Elevations AR-
Boone County Higher Elevations AR-
218 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Newton and
southern Boone Counties through 245 PM CDT...
At 218 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area, or 18 miles southwest of Jasper,
moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Jasper... Lost Valley State Park...
Piercetown... Erbie...
Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area... Pruitt...
Wayton... Boxley...
Mossville... Compton...
Low Gap... Fallsville...
Crossroad... Vendor...
Parthenon... Swain...
Gum Springs in Newton County... Mt Judea...
Dixon Ridge... Nail...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3589 9301 3575 9352 3582 9352 3588 9353
3588 9350 3592 9351 3593 9349 3595 9349
3595 9347 3597 9347 3597 9345 3601 9345
3617 9322
TIME...MOT...LOC 1918Z 244DEG 38KT 3587 9348
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
230Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
220 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
ARZ008-017-211945-
Lawrence AR-Randolph AR-
220 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Randolph and east central Lawrence Counties through 245 PM CDT...
At 219 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
College City, or over Walnut Ridge, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Pocahontas... Walnut Ridge...
Hoxie... Black Rock...
Reyno... College City...
Portia... Biggers...
O'Kean... Whiskerville...
Giles Spur... Shannon...
Dicus... Fender...
Elnora... Manson...
Lesterville...
This includes US Highway 67 between mile markers 118 and 121.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3612 9077 3609 9080 3608 9082 3602 9084
3597 9091 3609 9111 3642 9077 3641 9075
3628 9075 3628 9078 3629 9079 3629 9081
3615 9081 3615 9075
TIME...MOT...LOC 1919Z 224DEG 32KT 3610 9093
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
67Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
223 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
ARZ112-121-221-212000-
Newton County Higher Elevations AR-
Johnson County Higher Elevations AR-Southern Johnson County AR-
223 PM CDT Sat May 21 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Newton
and northern Johnson Counties through 300 PM CDT...
At 222 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Woodland, or 9 miles north of Clarksville, moving northeast at 25
mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Clarksville... Woodland...
Walnut... Rosetta...
Devils Knob... Salus...
Catalpa... Harmony...
Ozone... Fallsville...
Haw Creek Falls Campground... Hillcrest in Johnson County...
Mineral Springs Recreation Area...
Fort Douglas...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3547 9350 3557 9368 3584 9342 3571 9320
TIME...MOT...LOC 1922Z 216DEG 20KT 3559 9354
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
44The Western Arkansas radar (KSRX), 112 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:45 UTC.
14 thunderstorm wind, 7 hail, 2 tornado, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
This tornado remained over difficult to access terrain near Smith Creek and was observed from a residence just east of the path. This was an EF0 tornado that touched down along Smith Creek between Highway 21 and Newton County Rd. 24.
Fallen trees caused damage to a home and a vehicle in Franklin.
This wind gust was measured on the Ash Flat CWOP.
Delayed report...significant damage occurred around Ash Flat, including several large trees blown down, damage to power poles, and one home with a metal roof torn off. South of town, a few houses were damaged by fallen trees, and a few barns or outbuildings sustained wind damage as well. This report was relayed via NWSChat from Ash Flat Fire Department. The time is based on radar data.
A trained spotter estimated a 60 mph gust.
The Emergency Manager reported multiple trees down around Ravenden.
There was a video of a large tree uprooted on social media.
A report was received from the public of a 70 mph wind gust.
Several videos and images viewed on social media indicate a brief tornado touchdown occurred along this track. Given that this tornado was on the ground very briefly and no damage was observed, it is rated an EFU.
A few trees were blown down in the Mallett area.
A tree was blown down on Otto Rd.
A tree was blown down along Hwy. 319.
The Emergency Manager reported a structure fire on Ridge Rd. due to a lightning strike.
A tree was blown down and blocking one lane of traffic on I-430.
Pictures were received of large trees that were blown over on Cedar Hill Rd., one of which was fallen on a house. The house did not appear to be significantly damaged. The time is based on radar data.
A tree was blown down onto Highway 425, blocking both lanes of traffic.
A large tree was blown down, partially onto a home. A metal carport was damaged as well.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Arkansas in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Arkansas, 2022Warnings in Arkansas, May 2022
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: 1031276, 1031243, 1031244, 1031245, 1031251, 1031252, 1031256, 1031259, 1031261, 1031262, 1031263, 1031264, 1031265, 1031277, 1031266, 1031267, 1031268, 1031269, 1031270, 1031271, 1031272, 1031273, 1031275, 1031274.