Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Arkansas Hit by Severe Tornadoes: Governor Sanders Updates Residents
Arkansas faced a barrage of tornadoes on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, prompting Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to inform state residents via social media platform X about the ongoing hazardous weather and resulting destruction. The governor cautioned that the threat remained active and shared a video depicting a substantial tornado impacting Lake City. The severe weather has caused concern across the state, with officials assessing the scope of the damage.
Governor Sanders stated in her social media update, “We are receiving reports of storm and tornado damage from various locations across the state. Emergency personnel are on-site to assist those who have sustained injuries, but these storms are still ongoing. Please stay informed and, most importantly, remain safe.”
Continue reading for the latest updates on the tornado damage and severe weather situation in Arkansas.
Areas Impacted by Arkansas Tornadoes
Following a tornado emergency issued for sections of Eastern Arkansas, Lake City appears to have sustained the most significant impact from the powerful storm. According to Craighead County Administrator Brandon Shrader, the town of Bay, Arkansas, also seems to have been affected.
CNN reported Shrader confirming that the county “can verify a tornado touchdown on the outskirts of town,” in reference to Bay.
Extent of Tornado Damage in Arkansas
Craighead County Administrator Shrader indicated that the tornado and accompanying severe storms “affected several communities within the county,” including Bay, Lake City, Monette, Cash, and Bono, as reported by CNN.
Shrader added, “Our teams are currently evaluating the degree of devastation and organizing response initiatives to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens.”
Arkansas Tornado Rated as EF-3
Fox Weather storm chaser Brandon Copic estimated the tornado that struck Arkansas to be at least an EF-3 in strength. Copic also circulated a widely viewed video of the Lake City tornado impacting the landscape and approaching a nearby roadway. Governor Sanders reposted this video on her X account to demonstrate the magnitude of the tornado to state residents.
Neighboring States Affected by Severe Weather
While Arkansas endured significant tornado activity, adjacent states were also impacted. Multiple tornadoes and severe storms swept through Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri on April 2nd. Extensive power disruptions have been documented in these states as a result of the widespread severe weather system.