North Little Rock Twister Claims Tornado Siren; Damages in Millions

The National Weather Service released a survey of a recent tornado that went from North Little Rock, Ark., into Sherwood and damaged numerous structures at a cost of millions of dollars. Among the casualties was a tornado siren.

The twister, one of six to rip through central Arkansas April 3, rated EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale of tornado severity, meaning it had winds of 111 to 135 mph.

The weather service said the tornado began near the intersection of Camp Robinson Road and Donovan Briley Boulevard. It passed through the southeast corner of Camp Robinson moved on to the North Little Rock airport, where it damaged numerous aircraft.

The tornado also struck in Sherwood and Gravel Ridge. On the way it damaged numerous homes, did roof damage to Sylvan Hills High School and damaged the Sherwood Sports Complex, where the tornado siren was blown down.

Hundreds of trees were downed by the storm, pulling down power lines and damaging roofs. Electricity was still being restored in some spots. Because of the power outages, classes April 7 for students at Sylvan Hills High School were to be held in various community buildings. The high school building will reopen April 10.

Three of the tornadoes hit Saline County, two struck Pulaski County and one ripped through Lonoke County.

As central Arkansas continued to clean up from the tornadoes, other parts of the state were coping with continued flooding, which was made worse by the heavy rainfall that came with the night’s storms.

The National Weather Service kept a flood warning posted for Pocahontas, where the Black River has stressed levees. The Black was at 22.73 feet, in moderate flood stage at Pocahontas, on April 6. The river was falling slightly by the next day.

The White River crested at Newport but rose at Des Arc, which has already suffered flood losses. The White River was in a major flood stage at 30.41 feet on April 6, with a crest expected April 8 at Des Arc at 31 feet, seven feet above flood stage.

Flood warnings remained in effect over much of east Arkansas.

On the Net: National Weather Service Arkansas flood map: http://tinyurl.com/2ujyrw