Around 1,300 homes are without power
Three powerful tornadoes have struck central Arkansas in the US bringing with them thunderstorms and golf ball sized hail stones.
RMS issued the following incident assessment:
On Wednesday, March 10, and Thursday, March 11, a low pressure system crossed central Arkansas, United States, resulting in a series of three powerful tornadoes. According to the US National Weather Service the system brought thunderstorms with golf ball-sized hail to the central region.
The National Weather Service has reported that the first of the three tornadoes occurred on Wednesday at 18:30 CST, northwest of Benton in Saline County, Arkansas. The state Emergency Management Service reports the tornado damaged 22 homes. At 20:25 CST a second tornado occurred near to Center Hill in White County, damaging nine homes and injuring one person. A third tornado occurred near Pearson, in Cleburne County, shortly after 21:00 CST and early reports indicate that several homes have been badly damaged and at least three people have been injured. Following the tornadoes, approximately 1,300 homes are without power.
After a quiet start to the US tornado season, with only one tornado recorded in February – the first time since records begun- the tornado season is now underway. Forecasts predict that given the El Nino winter in the US, there is potential for the tornado season to be extremely active.
The tornado watch for Arkansas that was issued on Wednesday has now been removed (as has the severe weather warning).
