Tornado outbreak of January 21–23, 1999
The largest tornado outbreak on record to occur during the month of January struck the Midwestern and Southern United States between January 21–23, 1999. The outbreak mostly took place across the Mississippi River Valley. Over the course of roughly two days, 127 tornadoes touched down across the region, resulting in widespread damage. Nine people were killed by the tornadoes. The outbreak is best known for an F3 that struck Little Rock, Arkansas, killing three people.
 A home destroyed by the F3 Little Rock, Arkansas tornado | |
| Type | Tornado outbreak |
|---|---|
| Duration | January 21–23, 1999 |
| Tornadoes confirmed | 128 confirmed (Record for a tornado outbreak in January) |
| Max. rating1 | F4 tornado |
| Duration of tornado outbreak2 | 46 hours |
| Fatalities | 9 fatalities, 162 injuries |
| Damage | $90.5 million |
| Areas affected | Midwestern and Southern United States |
Part of Tornadoes of 1999 1Most severe tornado damage; see Fujita scale 2Time from first tornado to last tornado | |
Meteorological synopsis
On January 21, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a High risk of severe weather across much of central and eastern Arkansas, southwestern Tennessee, northeastern Louisiana, and much of northern and western Mississippi. The organization warned of the potential for a widespread severe weather outbreak, including several long-tracked and intense tornadoes.[1] The meteorological setup unfolded as a broad upper-level trough, with its axis across the Central United States, rapidly amplified in conjunction with a 175 mph (282 km/h) jet streak across the southern Rockies. Substantial height falls—implying cooling in the mid layers of the atmosphere—coupled with the sharpening trough allowed for strong divergence to overspread the highest risk area. At the surface, a deepening area of low pressure initially centered near the Texas–Oklahoma border early on January 21 deepened and accelerated eastward, reaching the Arkansas–Missouri border during the overnight hours. A dry line extended southward across eastern Texas, providing increased mechanisms for rising air as it combined with a cold front and pushed eastward into Arkansas.[2]
As the upper-level trough rapidly intensified, 500mb winds increased to 70–80 mph (110–130 km/h) and 850mb winds topped 70 mph (110 km/h) across the High risk area. The combination of speed shear and adequate directional shear (noted by curved low-level hodographs) led to 0–3 km storm relative helicities of 300–500 m2/s2, favorable for rotating thunderstorms.[1] A capping inversion, qualified by cold and dry air aloft, initially prevented the formation of thunderstorms and instead allowed substantial surface heating.[2] Surface-based CAPE values of 1500–2000 j/kg and most unstable CAPE values of 1000–2000 j/kg became prevalent across the broad warm sector.[1] Low-level moisture transported northward from the Gulf of Mexico resulted in dewpoints in the low- to mid-60s °F by the afternoon hours.[3] With continually strengthening wind fields, the capping inversion steadily weakened,[4] and several tornadic supercells formed across Arkansas. In addition to the tornado outbreak, steep 850–500mb lapse rates, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 c/km,[4] contributed to a favorable environment for gigantic hail and widespread damaging winds. Nine reports of hail over 2.51 in (6.4 cm) were received by the SPC.[5]
Confirmed tornadoes
| FU | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 69 | 36 | 13 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 128 |
January 21 event
| F# | Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F1 | S of Lerch | Lafayette | 2110 | 9 miles (15 km) |
Little damage reported, primarily to trees. | |
| F0 | N of Cornelius | Lafayette | 2133 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado remained in woodlands. Roads were blocked by trees but no buildings were damaged. | |
| F0 | NE of Lerch | Lafayette | 2138 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado remained in woodlands. No damage. | |
| F0 | S of Genoa | Miller | 2145 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Tornado track remained in unpopulated farmlands. | |
| F2 | SE of Naylor | Faulkner, White | 2157 | 10 miles (16 km) |
Two manufactured homes were destroyed, along with two hay barns. The roof of a church was also damaged. Seven people were injured. | |
| F1 | S of Princeton (1st tornado) | Dallas | 2229 | 7 miles (11 km) |
Damage limited to many trees along its path. | |
| F3 | S of Princeton (2nd tornado) | Dallas | 2229 | 11 miles (17 km) |
Powerful and large tornado remained over rural areas, however, it obliterated a 1⁄4-mile (400 m) swath of trees along its path. | |
| F1 | Evening Star | Greene | 2230 | 11 miles (17 km) |
12 houses were damaged or destroyed. A church was also heavily damaged. | |
| F0 | Hickory Ridge | Cross | 2233 | unknown | Brief touchdown with no damage, but hundreds of geese killed. | |
| F3 | Sunnydale area | White, Independence | 2238 | 19 miles (31 km) |
Strong tornado up to 1⁄2-mile (800 m) wide damaged or destroyed many houses, including several flattened trailers. Extensive damage also to trees. Two people were injured. | |
| F0 | E of Knobel (1st tornado) | Clay | 2245 | 12 miles (20 km) |
Minor damage reported to one house. | |
| F2 | Center Hill area | White | 2246 | 8 miles (13 km) |
2 deaths – Tornado followed the Highway 305 corridor. Several mobile homes were thrown and destroyed, killing two occupants. Many other houses were damaged. Two others were injured. | |
| F1 | NE of Macon | Pulaski, Faulkner, Lonoke, White | 2249 | 8 miles (13 km) |
One house suffered a damaged roof and a mobile home was damaged. Extensive tree damage along the path. | |
| F2 | Oil Trough area | Independence | 2255 | 20 miles (32 km) |
Several houses were damaged or destroyed, along with numerous outbuildings. Widespread damage to trees and power lines. Three people were injured. | |
| F3 | S of Brinkley | Monroe, St. Francis | 2302 | 36 miles (57 km) |
Long-track tornado flattened one house and destroyed 20 others along its path, plus numerous farm buildings and outbuildings. Several transmission towers were knocked down. Nine people were injured. | |
| F4 | E of Knobel (2nd tornado) | Clay | 2305 | 16 miles (26 km) |
Violent tornado flattened two houses and damaged several others along its path. Two tractor trailers were destroyed. | |
| F1 | White Hall area | Jefferson | 2311 | 14 miles (23 km) |
Several houses damaged and barns destroyed before tracking into the Pine Bluff Arsenal. Several buildings were damaged on the Arsenal, primarily to roofs. After crossing the Arkansas River, several more houses damaged. Four people were injured. | |
| F0 | Garret Grove | Lee | 2325 | unknown | Brief touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | Goodwin | St. Francis | 2325 | unknown | Brief touchdown in town. Some minor damage reported. | |
| F1 | E of Tucker | Jefferson, Lonoke | 2330 | 16 miles (26 km) |
Several buildings damaged on the grounds of the Arkansas State Penitentiary. Significant tree damage along the path. | |
| F1 | S of Donaldson | Hot Spring | 2334 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Minimal damage, mostly to trees. | |
| F1 | SE of Donaldson | Hot Spring | 2337 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Formed as the previous tornado dissipated. No significant damage. | |
| F1 | S of Romance | White | 2338 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Several houses suffered minor roof damage. | |
| F2 | Joy area | White | 2347 | 10-mile (16 km) |
Several buildings were damaged, including an antique store and a fire department building. Several outbuildings were destroyed. Extensive tree damage was reported. | |
| F0 | W of Hoxie | Lawrence | 0000 | unknown | Short-lived tornado with minimal damage. | |
| F3 | NE of Oil Trough | Independence, Jackson, Lawrence | 0005 | 39 miles (62 km) |
Powerful tornado remained in rural areas. Extensive and severe damage to trees with swaths of forests up to 1/2-mile wide obliterated. | |
| F2 | W of Hazen | Prairie | 0013 | 7 miles (11 km) |
One house was destroyed and several others suffered varying degrees of damage. | |
| F0 | W of Colt | St. Francis | 0015 | unknown | Brief tornado with minimal damage. | |
| F3 | SE of Malvern | Hot Spring, Grant | 0018 | 11 miles (17 km) |
Tornado remained in mostly rural areas with extensive damage to trees. One chicken house was destroyed. | |
| F2 | Pleasant Plains area | White, Independence | 0020 | 11 miles (17 km) |
1 death – At least 30 houses, several businesses, a church and several barns were damaged, and a trailer was destroyed – killing an occupant. | |
| F1 | Des Arc area | Prairie | 0021 | 17 miles (28 km) |
Several buildings sustained minor damage, with the most impact on trees and power lines. | |
| F3 | Little Rock area (1st tornado) | Saline, Pulaski | 0024 | 22 miles (35 km) |
3 deaths – See section on this tornado | |
| F2 | Little Rock area (2nd tornado) | Pulaski, Lonoke | 0042 | 11 miles (17 km) |
See section on this tornado | |
| F1 | E of Palatka | Clay | 0050 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Short-lived tornado that damaged several houses. | |
| F1 | E of Sidon | White, Cleburne | 0054 | 10 miles (16 km) |
One woodworking plant was destroyed, and several outbuildings were also damaged. Trees and power lines were knocked down. | |
| F0 | W of Patterson | Woodruff | 0102 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Tornado remained over rural countryside; no damage reported. | |
| F0 | NW of Walnut Ridge | Lawrence | 0105 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | W of Bloomer | Sebastian | 0111 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado reported by spotters at Highways 22 and 96. No damage reported. | |
| F1 | E of Ward | Lonoke | 0118 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Short-lived tornado that damaged 15 houses. One mobile home was heavily damaged, and several sheds and outbuildings were destroyed. One person was injured. | |
| F2 | Corning area | Clay | 0125 | 7 miles (11 km) |
Several houses sustained heavy damage. The Corning airport also sustained significant damage, with several hangars and airplanes destroyed. | |
| F3 | Beebe area | White | 0125 | 8 miles (13 km) |
2 deaths – Severe tornado touched down in the area. The Beebe Junior High School was heavily damaged, along with a church and fire hall. Many houses were damaged or destroyed, and gas leaks were reported in Beebe. 29 others were injured by this tornado, which was up to 2⁄3-mile (1.1 km) wide. | |
| F2 | Newark area | Independence | 0133 | 7 miles (11 km) |
Damage was reported to over 100 houses, several businesses and a church – mostly to roofs. Several trailers were destroyed. | |
| F0 | S of Jacksonville | Pulaski | 0159 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Brief tornado touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | E of Lanieve | Craighead | 0210 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Tornado remained in rural areas with minimal damage. | |
| F2 | Washington area | Hempstead | 0213 | 21 miles (33 km) |
Damage mostly to trees, including several large trees that fell onto several houses causing some structural damage. | |
| F1 | Newport area | Jackson, Independence | 0220 | 9 miles (15 km) |
Minor damage reported, mostly caused by falling trees. Three people were injured. | |
| F0 | Marmaduke | Greene | 0250 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown. Damage limited to trees and power lines. | |
| F0 | W of Egypt | Craighead, Lawrence | 0255 | 7 miles (11 km) |
Three houses were damaged and an antenna was knocked over. One person was injured. | |
| F0 | Schug area | Craighead, Greene | 0340 | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
Two houses suffered minor structural damage. Several trees were also knocked over. | |
| F0 | Wilson | Mississippi | 0355 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Bay | Craighead | 0400 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Tornado remained in rural areas. Several trees blown down. | |
| Mississippi | ||||||
| F1 | E of Malvina | Bolivar | 2110 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Two mobile homes were destroyed, and minor damage was reported to several other houses. | |
| F1 | Cleveland | Bolivar | 2116 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
One mobile home was overturned. Damage also reported to a business. | |
| F0 | NE of Shaw | Bolivar, Sunflower | 0334 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Weak tornado remained in open areas. No damage reported. | |
| F0 | SE of Boyle (1st tornado) | Bolivar, Sunflower | 0334 | 13 miles (21 km) |
Tornado tracked through many open areas. No damage reported. | |
| F1 | NE of Shaw | Washington | 0433 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Minor damage reported to a mobile home and several outbuildings. | |
| F0 | SE of Greenville | Washington | 0440 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Short-lived tornado sighted but remained in open fields. | |
| F0 | S of Belzoni | Humphreys | 0445 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Minor damage limited to trees. | |
| F0 | NE of Curtis Station | Panola | 0445 | 8 miles (13 km) |
One mobile home removed from its foundation. | |
| F0 | Senatobia | Tate | 0459 | 7 miles (11 km) |
Tornado remained in open areas. Damage was minimal. | |
| F2 | Blaine area | Sunflower | 0502 | 15 miles (24 km) |
Five houses were heavily damaged. One mobile home was destroyed and another was damaged. Two churches were also destroyed. | |
| F0 | SE of Boyle (2nd tornado) | Bolivar | 0515 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Tornado remained in open fields. | |
| F0 | W of Itta Bena | Leflore | 0515 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Large 4⁄10-mile (640 m) wide tornado spotted by storm chasers, but remained in open fields with no damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Ruleville | Sunflower | 0525 | 10 miles (16 km) |
Tornado remained in open fields. | |
| Missouri | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Sikeston | Scott | 2250 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | Fagus | Butler | 2332 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | Morehouse | New Madrid | 2350 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | E of Essex | Stoddard | 0000 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Cardwell | Dunklin | 0005 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown. Minimal damage reported. | |
| F1 | SE of Benton | Scott | 0015 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
A mobile home was overturned, and several outbuildings were damaged. | |
| F0 | NW of Kennett | Dunklin | 0315 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown. Minimal damage reported. | |
| F1 | NE of Morehouse | New Madrid, Scott | 0407 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Damage primarily to trees along its path. | |
| F0 | Steele | Pemiscot | 0410 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown. Minimal damage reported. | |
| F1 | NW of Dexter | Stoddard | 0440 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
A mobile home was overturned and a shed was destroyed. In addition, many trees and power lines were knocked down. | |
| F0 | Perkins | Scott | 0500 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with no damage. | |
| F1 | W of Morley | Scott | 0505 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Heavy damage reported to a farm, including a destroyed barn and shed. A mobile home was overturned and minor damage reported to one house. | |
| Louisiana | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Bonita | Morehouse, Ashley (AR), Chicot (AR) | 0115 | 37 miles (59 km) |
Long-track tornado with minor to moderate damage to several houses. Widespread tree damage. | |
| F1 | Tallajuh area | Madison, Warren (MS) | 0430 | 16 miles (26 km) |
Many vehicles, including eight tractor trailers, were blown off Interstate 20. Several buildings sustained minor damage. Extensive damage to trees and power lines. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F0 | Tiptonville | Lake | 0528 | unknown | Brief tornado with minimal damage. | |
| Kentucky | ||||||
| F1 | NE of Wickliffe | Ballard | 0652 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
A mobile home was destroyed, injuring its six occupants. Barns and trees were also damaged. | |
| F1 | E of Kevil | McCracken | 0700 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Five mobile homes were heavily damage in the Lone Lake subdivision. Several other outbuildings and garages were destroyed and four houses sustained minor damage. Two people were injured. | |
| Illinois | ||||||
| F2 | SW of Golconda | Pope | 0715 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
A summer resort in Shawnee National Forest (closed for the winter) was heavily damaged, with over 35 lodges damaged or destroyed along with many trees. | |
| Sources: National Climatic Data Center | ||||||
January 22 event
| F# | Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | ||||||
| F1 | Sadie area | Union, Grant (AR) | 0800 | 17 miles (28 km) |
Minimal damage, mostly to trees along its long path. | |
| F0 | E of King Hill | Natchitoches | 1102 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado remained over swampland with no damage. | |
| F0 | S of Coushatta | Red River | 1105 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Tornado remained over swampland with no damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Messick | Natchitoches | 1114 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Tornado remained over swampland with no damage. | |
| F0 | SE of Coushatta | Red River | 1120 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado remained over swampland with no damage. | |
| F1 | S of Cox Crossing | Bienville | 1149 | 8 miles (13 km) |
Significant tree damage reported in the heavily wooded area. | |
| F1 | S of Walker | Jackson | 1152 | 20 miles (32 km) |
Long track tornado remained in open woodland. | |
| F1 | E of Quitman | Jackson | 1205 | 12 miles (20 km) |
Tornado remained in open woodland with tree damage. | |
| F1 | E of Vienna | Lincoln | 1222 | 12 miles (20 km) |
Tornado remained in open woodland with tree damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Okaloosa | Ouachita | 1230 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado remained over open woodlands with no damage. | |
| F0 | Evans | Vernon | 1640 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Brief tornado knocked down some trees in the area. | |
| F0 | NW of Gorum | Natchitoches | 1609 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Tornado remained over swampland with no damage. | |
| F0 | E of Aloha | Grant | 1810 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado remained over unpopulated woodlands with no damage. | |
| F0 | Ferriday | Concordia | 1915 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado remained in an open field. | |
| F0 | NW of Messick | Natchitoches | 1114 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Tornado remained over swampland with no damage. | |
| Arkansas | ||||||
| F1 | Felsenthal area | Union | 0825 | 7 miles (11 km) |
Numerous houses sustained minor roof damage. | |
| F0 | S of Eudora | Chicot | 1423 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Tornado remained in an open field with no damage reported. | |
| F0 | N of Kiblah | Miller | 0153 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Tornado tracked across woodland and farm country. No damage reported. | |
| Tennessee | ||||||
| F3 | S of Camden | Benton | 0920 | 15 miles (24 km) |
1 death – 12 houses were destroyed and many other houses and businesses were damaged. The fatality occurred outdoors. Five others were injured. | |
| F3 | Clarksville | Montgomery | 1015 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Severe damage reported in the city. 124 buildings were destroyed and over 500 others damaged, mostly in the downtown area. The county courthouse was nearly destroyed. Severe damage also took place at Austin Peay State University. Five people were injured. | |
| F1 | NE of Cordova | Shelby | 1025 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Two houses were destroyed, and numerous other houses and a school were damaged. | |
| F2 | McEwen area | Humphreys | 1043 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Significant damage in the community, where many houses were damaged (two of which were completely destroyed). One person was injured. | |
| F0 | Pocahontas | Hardeman | 1805 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown, minor damage reported. | |
| Mississippi | ||||||
| F0 | Horn Lake | DeSoto | 1110 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Five houses were heavily damaged and numerous others sustained lesser damage. | |
| F0 | NW of Fayette | Jefferson | 1525 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Some trees were damaged and blown onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. | |
| F0 | E of Port Gibson | Claiborne | 1545 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to a few trees. | |
| F0 | N of Utica | Hinds | 1615 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Damage limited to a few trees. | |
| F0 | Lexington | Holmes | 1620 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado blew down some power lines. | |
| F0 | Raymond | Hinds | 1658 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado touched down in open areas at the Raymond Williams Airport but no damage took place. | |
| F1 | Corinth | Alcorn | 1835 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Several houses and 31 businesses were damaged, and a metal industrial building was heavily damaged. | |
| F0 | Vaiden | Carroll | 2032 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Brief tornado in an open area spotted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. | |
| F0 | E of Vicksburg | Warren | 2040 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
A few trees were knocked down by this small tornado. | |
| F0 | W of Lexington | Holmes | 2100 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado remained in an open area with no damage. | |
| F0 | Booneville | Prentiss | 2115 | unknown | Several trees were blown down near the town. | |
| F0 | Baldwyn | Lee | 2310 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | W of Osyka | Pike | 2315 | unknown | One house lost its roof in this brief tornado. | |
| F0 | Wheeler | Prentiss | 2320 | unknown | Brief tornado touchdown with minimal damage. | |
| F0 | SW of Topeka | Lawrence | 2345 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Several trees were blown down. | |
| Texas | ||||||
| F0 | S of Call | Newton | 1630 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Some trees were damaged by this brief tornado. | |
| F1 | New Boston | Bowie | 2310 | unknown | Brief tornado damaged several businesses in a commercial area along Interstate 30. | |
| Alabama | ||||||
| F0 | NW of Russellville | Franklin | 2139 | unknown | Brief tornado with no damage. | |
| F0 | SW of Muscle Shoals | Colbert | 2143 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
Tornado remained in an open area. | |
| F0 | W of Falkville | Morgan | 2243 | unknown | Brief tornado near the Danville-Neel Recreation Area with no damage. | |
| F0 | NE of Fayette | Fayette | 2252 | unknown | A roof was damaged and several trees were uprooted. | |
| F1 | NW of Double Springs | Winston | 2315 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Three houses, two mobile homes and a church were damaged. Many trees were also damaged. | |
| Sources: National Climatic Data Center | ||||||
January 23 event
| F# | Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | ||||||
| F1 | S of Indian Valley | Floyd | 1930 | 0.2 miles (320 m) | Brief tornado destroyed two outbuildings and damaged a few other structures. Many trees were downed. | |
| Sources: National Climatic Data Center | ||||||
Little Rock, Arkansas tornadoes
| State | Total | County | County total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 8 | Pulaski | 3 |
| White | 5 | ||
| Tennessee | 1 | Benton | 1 |
| Totals | 9 | ||
| All deaths were tornado-related | |||
The Little Rock area was slammed by a strong tornado on the evening of January 21. The tornado began in Saline County south of Vimy Ridge at 6:24 pm CST (0024 UTC). Before crossing the Pulaski County line, it did moderate damage to several houses and significant damage to a mobile home.[6] It crossed into Pulaski County at 6:33 pm, where moderate roof damage was reported to several buildings along the Interstate 30 corridor. It continued eastward and did most of its devastation just south of the downtown area.[7]
There was severe damage reported to over 235 buildings, many of which were destroyed. One of the destroyed buildings included a large grocery store, a Harvest Foods, where one of two on duty pharmacists passed away. Over 500 other buildings sustained lesser damage. Some of the houses damaged that were in the historic district were also condemned due to there being lead smelt beneath them. Trees and power lines were also knocked down throughout the area. Damage was also reported on the property of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion, where many trees were knocked down. As the tornado left the downtown vicinity, it weakened as it crossed Interstate 40. It lifted in the northeastern suburbs, near Sherwood at 6:53 pm CST, after being on the ground for 29 minutes and travelling 22 miles (35 km). The first tornado was rated F3 on the Fujita scale[7]
As the first tornado dissipated, a second tornado, rated F2, developed in eastern Pulaski County. While it remained in more rural settings, it also destroyed several buildings, including a storage facility. It also knocked over several tractor-trailers before crossing into Lonoke County.[8] Extensive damage was also reported in Lonoke County, where the South Bend community was hit hard. 12 houses, 11 mobile homes and several farm buildings were damaged or destroyed in Lonoke County. The tornado dissipated at 7:02 pm CST (0102 UTC) southwest of Cabot.[9]
Three people died in the tornadoes (all due to the first F3). One of them was in the destroyed grocery store, another was in a vehicle hit by a tree, and the third was in a mobile home that was destroyed. 78 other people were injured by the tornado.[7][8]
See also
References
- John Hart (January 21, 1999). "SPC 06z Day-1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. Convective Outlook. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- Joseph A. Rogash (January 21, 1999). "SPC 15z Day-1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. Convective Outlook. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- J.P. Craven; Michael D. Vescio (January 21, 1999). "SPC 12z Day-1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. Convective Outlook. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- Rich Thompson (January 21, 1999). "SPC 19z Day-1 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. Convective Outlook. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- "Severe Weather Report Archive: 01/21/1999". Storm Prediction Center. January 21, 1999. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- NCDC: Event Details
- "NCDC: Event Details". Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2007.
- NCDC: Event Details
- NCDC: Event Details