2020 Jonesboro tornado
{{Short description|2020 tornado in Arkansas, U.S.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Traffic cam of the Jonesboro EF3 tornado.jpg
| width = 350
| alt = The large tornado passing behind a building in daylight.
| caption = An Arkansas Department of Transportation traffic camera still of the tornado shortly after forming in Jonesboro
| duration = 16 minutes
| formed = March 28, 2020, 4:58 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| dissipated = March 28, 2020, 5:14 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| path-length = {{convert|12.55|mi|km}}
| winds = {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
| fujita-scale = EF3
| torro-scale =
| basin = atl
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| deaths = 0
| injuries = 22
| economic-year = 2020
| economic-losses = $300 million (2020 USD)
| areas = Jonesboro, Arkansas and areas east of Brookland, Arkansas
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = Tornadoes of 2020
}}
In the afternoon hours of March 28, 2020, a large and intense tornado moved through Craighead County, Arkansas, striking the eastern portions of Jonesboro. The tornado, which was on the ground for 16 minutes and tracked for {{Convert|12.5|mi|km}}, injured 22 people and damaged an estimated 300 homes and other buildings. The tornado, rated EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, heavily damaged planes and hangars at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport and damaged The Mall at Turtle Creek beyond repair. The tornado was captured widely on video, being seen on traffic cameras and tower cameras that were shown to the public during live coverage of the event.
The tornado first touched down at 4:58 pm Central Daylight Time (CDT) reaching EF2 intensity as it impacted a retail area. The tornado continued to strengthen as it neared The Mall at Turtle Creek, which sustained heavy damage. To the northeast, the tornado reached EF3 intensity at it directly impacted the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, where hangars were destroyed and a Beechcraft King Air 200 was blown down the airport's runway. 112 railcars were blown off a railroad to the northeast, where the tornado slightly wavered in intensity. Continuing to track to the northeast, it again reached EF3 intensity as it struck a subdivision of homes. Wind speeds as the tornado struck the homes were estimated to have been as high as {{Convert|140|mph|km/h}}. The tornado then began to consistently weaken, dissipating 16 minutes after touching down.
Advanced forecasting
On March 25, meteorologists working with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) outlined a "slight", level 2-out-of-5 risk of severe weather in northern Oklahoma, western Missouri, southeastern Kansas and a small portion of Arkansas.{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2020 |title=Storm Prediction Center Mar 25, 2020 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day3otlk_20200325_0730.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}} The following day, on March 26, the SPC moved the slight risk slightly northward, putting Arkansas northern Arkansas in a "marginal", level 1-out-of-5 risk but moving it out of the slight risk area.{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2020 |title=Storm Prediction Center Mar 26, 2020 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day2otlk_20200326_0600.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}} The SPC also outlined a 5% risk of tornadoes for northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas, while a 2% risk of tornadoes existed from central Oklahoma to central Missouri. The Day 3 convective outlook outlined on March 26 showed southeastern Arkansas in a slight risk area, although Jonesboro remained in a marginal risk.{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center Mar 26, 2020 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day3otlk_20200326_0730.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}
File:Tornado Watch 68, March 28, 2020.jpg
The Day 1 convective outlook on March 28 saw the majority of Arkansas put in a slight risk area, with the SPC outlining a 5% chance of tornadoes in northeastern Arkansas. In addition, 15% risks were introduced for both hail and wind, covering much of Arkansas in conjunction with the slight risk area.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2020 |title=Storm Prediction Center Mar 28, 2020 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day1otlk_20200328_1300.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}} To the north, a "moderate", level 4-out-of-5 risk was outlined for Central Illinois and extreme eastern Iowa, which was driven by a 15% risk of tornadoes within 25 miles of a given point, commonly known as a "hatched area".{{Cite web |last=Grams |first=Jeremy |last2=Bunting |first2=Bill |title=SPC Convective Outlooks |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/SPC_probotlk_info.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}
In a later update to the Day 1 convective outlook on March 28, Arkansas was introduced to an expansion of the initial 5% tornado risk, which now covered the eastern half of the state. An "enhanced", level 3-out-of-5 risk was outlined for the Missouri Bootheel and small portions of northern Arkansas. A 30% risk for damaging winds was also expanded southward, stretching into northern Arkansas.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2020 |title=Storm Prediction Center Mar 28, 2020 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day1otlk_20200328_2000.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}
A short time later, Tornado Watch #68 was issued for much of Arkansas. The tornado watch outlined a moderate risk of tornadoes, but a low risk of EF2+ tornadoes.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2020 |title=Storm Prediction Center Tornado Watch 68 |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/2020/ww0068.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Storm Prediction Center}}
{{Clear}}
Tornado summary
The tornado first touched down just east of McClellan Drive at 4:58 pm CDT, moving to the northeast. The tornado initially produced EF0-consistent damage before reaching EF1 intensity on Spencer Circle. EF2 intensity was reached as the tornado impacted the intersection of Race Street and South Caraway Road.{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2020 |title=BREAKING: Tornado hits Jonesboro; Mall at Turtle Creek, other popular businesses reportedly hit, curfew at 7 p.m. |url=https://www.whiterivernow.com/2020/03/28/breaking-tornado-hits-jonesboro-mall-at-turtle-creek-other-popular-businesses-reportedly-hit-curfew-at-7-p-m/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=White River Now |language=en-US}} At 2801 South Caroway Road, a video showed the tornado impacting and destroying the Gateway Tire and Service Center; the building was "blown apart: and pieces of the building struck power lines, causing power flashes. At this point in its life, the tornado had a multiple-vortex structure. On the southern edge of the tornado's path, a building suffered a wall failure.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.81 |lon=-90.68 |sourcing=damage point}} To the north, a large steel building suffered a progressive structural collapse as it was directly by the tornado, which at the time maintained wind speeds as high as {{Convert|131|mph|km/h}}.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.81 |lon=-90.68 |sourcing=damage point}} The tornado wavered in strength as it crossed over Stone Street, producing EF1 damage to an office building.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.82 |lon=-90.67 |sourcing=damage point}}{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Damage Assessment Toolkit |url=https://apps.dat.noaa.gov/stormdamage/damageviewer/ |access-date=May 12, 2025 |website=Damage Assessment Toolkit and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}} A post office in the area lost its roof, and several retail outlets were damaged by the tornado.
[[File:Jonesboro tornado peak intensity.png|thumb|189x189px|Track and intensity map of the tornado through the Jonesboro Municipal Airport.{{divhide|Key}}
{{col-begin}}
{{color box|#7ef4d4}} EF0 65–85 mph
{{color box|#acfb82}} EF1 86–110 mph
{{color box|#f5f57b}} EF2 111–135 mph
{{color box|#eac57b}} EF3 136–165 mph
{{Orange|⎯}} Center of the tornado
{{col-end}}
{{divhide|end}}|alt=A map with several polygons and lines showing the tornado's strength at a given location]]
The tornado re-intensified as it crossed East Highland Drive, reaching EF3 intensity above a subdivision of homes and destroying at least one home southwest of the Jonesboro Municipal Airport.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.83 |lon=-90.66 |sourcing=damage point}} The tornado then entered The Mall at Turtle Creek, heavily damaging the building and collapsing several walls in varying directions.{{Harvnb|Marshall|Woodall|2022|p=1}} The mall flooded following the tornado,{{Cite web |last=Hernández |first=Alejandra |date=2025-03-28 |title=Jonesboro Tornado Five Year Anniversary: Journey’s |url=https://www.kait8.com/2025/03/28/jonesboro-tornado-five-year-anniversary-journeys/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=KAIT |language=en}} and as of April 2022 remained closed.{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Gabe |last2= |first2= |date=2022-04-04 |title=Let's keep investing in Jonesboro's bright future |url=https://talkbusiness.net/2022/04/lets-keep-investing-in-jonesboros-bright-future/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=Talk Business & Politics |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Woodall |first=Katie |date=2021-03-29 |title=Mall at Turtle Creek employees reflect on tornado; city talks progress |url=https://www.kait8.com/2021/03/28/mall-turtle-creek-employees-reflect-tornado-city-talks-progress/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=KAIT |language=en}}
The tornado maintained {{Convert|148|mph|km/h|adj=on}} wind speeds as it drew closer to the airport, where another steel building collapsed under the tornadic winds.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.83 |lon=-90.66 |sourcing=damage point}} On the grounds of the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, the tornado inflicted EF3 damage to steel buildings and hangars north of the tarmac; at least one plane was overturned.{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Gene |last2=Jones |first2=Judson |last3=Ellis |first3=Ralph |date=2020-03-29 |title=Tornado rips through Arkansas city, injuring 22 people |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/29/weather/tornadoes-severe-storms |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.83 |lon=-90.65 |sourcing=damage point}} Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association noted that 50 aircraft were damaged at the airport and that a Beechcraft King Air 200 was blown down the runway by the tornado.{{Cite web |last=Namowitz |first=Dan |date=2020-03-31 |title=Arkansas airport takes direct hit from tornado |url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/march/31/arkansas-airport-takes-direct-hit-from-tornado |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=AOPA |language=en}} A maintenance hangar owned by Fly Jonesboro was also destroyed. It weakened on Lindbergh Drive, weakening to EF2 intensity before entering a large neighborhood of homes on and to the north of Yukon Drive. At least one home was damaged at EF2 intensity on Wildwood Point.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.85 |lon=-90.63 |sourcing=damage point}} To the north of the airport, the tornado derailed 112 railcars off of a railroad.{{Harvnb|Marshall|Woodall|2022|p=1}}
File:Gateway Tire and Service leveled at high-end EF2 by the Jonesboro tornado.jpg
On Wildwood Lane, the tornado again reached EF3 intensity, inflicting EF3-rated damage to homes. The tornado maintained this intensity while tracking over Tiffany Lane and over Prospect Road, where a home was destroyed at EF3 intensity; the tornado had estimated wind speeds of {{Convert|140|mph|km/h}} at this location. The tornado then crossed Elizabeth Lane, before impacting a few homes on Nathan Drive. On the corner of Nathan Drive and Tawn Drive, at least one home was completely destroyed at EF3 intensity.
The tornado weakened after crossing Troy Cove,{{Cite web |last=Cobbert |first=Ariel |last2=Gersh |first2=Max |date=March 29, 2020 |title=Jonesboro tornado damage |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/picture-gallery/news/2020/03/29/jonesboro-tornado-damage-photos/2934902001/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}} where EF2 damage was inflicted to a home. The tornado then crossed the Murray Creek and impacted Smithfield Drive, where it entered another subdivision of homes. On Slimbridge Drive and Laura Lea Drive, at least three homes were deroofed at EF2 intensity.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.86 |lon=-90.62 |sourcing=damage point}} The tornado continued to weaken, dropping to EF1 intensity as it tracked over a field south of Darrick Circle, before re-reaching EF2 intensity as it impacted and tracked parallel to U.S. Route 49 and East Johnson Avenue. A small building located off the highway partially collapsed in wind speeds estimated to have been as high as {{Convert|135|mph|km/h}}.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.87 |lon=-90.61 |sourcing=damage point}} Further to the northeast, a steel building was heavily damaged at EF2 intensity.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.87 |lon=-90.60 |sourcing=damage point}}
File:Jonesboro AR tornado video.webm traffic camera video of the tornado in Jonesboro]]
A short distance northeast, the tornado weakened to EF1 intensity, moving to the east and clipping Jonesboro Junction. A home located on County Road 928 received EF1 damage, being directly impacted by the tornado.{{Cite DAT |event_date=March 28, 2020 |lat=35.88 |lon=-90.60 |sourcing=damage point}} The tornado began to track through less-populated areas near the end of its life, only striking a subdivision of homes on Eason Street and Dooley Street. The tornado crossed the three-way intersection of County Road 933 and County Road 938 and later County Roads 936 and 939 while beginning to become thinner. Shortly after tracking over Arkansas Highway 230 the tornado weakened to EF0 intensity before dissipating west of Aetna in Craighead County at 5:14 pm CDT.
The tornado was on the ground for {{Convert|12.55|mi|km}}, reaching a maximum width of {{Convert|600|yd|m}}. The tornado injured 22 people and received an EF3 rating by the National Weather Service (NWS),{{Cite web |date=2020-03-29 |title=Jonesboro tornado rated EF-3 |url=https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/jonesboro-tornado-rated-ef-3 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=WeatherNation}} with maximum wind speeds estimated to have been approximately {{Convert|140|mph|km/h}}.{{Cite web |last=Gersh |first=Max |last2=Macaraeg |first2=Sarah |title=Jonesboro tornado: A 'miracle' and a disaster for residents of Arkansas town |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2020/03/29/jonesboro-arkansas-tornado-ravages-damage-ef-3-rating/2935182001/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US}} The tornado was captured on an Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) traffic camera as it moved through the city;{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2020 |title=Video shows tornado ripping through Arkansas causing ‘significant damage’ |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/video-shows-tornado-ripping-through-arkansas-causing-significant-damage/ |access-date=May 12, 2025 |website=FOX 4}} the footage shows the tornado lofting debris in the air.{{Cite web |last=Breslin |first=Sean |date=March 30, 2020 |title=Damage Reported in Northeastern Arkansas as EF3 Tornado Strikes Jonesboro; Flash Flooding Swamps Cleveland |url=https://weather.com/news/news/2020-03-28-severe-weather-tornado-impacts-plains-south-midwest |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Weather Channel |language=en-US}} In addition to ARDOT video, news channel KAIT broadcast live video of the tornado, helping warn the public in advance.
Aftermath
= Damage and casualties =
The tornado damaged or destroyed an estimated 300 buildings in and around Jonesboro. The tornado caused monetary damage that totaled an estimated $300 million (2020 USD).{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=Tyler |date=2020-04-09 |title=Jonesboro Aftermath: Up to $300M in Property Damage |url=https://armoneyandpolitics.com/jonesboro-aftermath-up-to-300m-in-property-damage/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=AMP |language=en-US}} In addition to structural and monetary figures, 22 people were injured in the tornado.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Macy |date=2024-03-29 |title=Firefighters remember Jonesboro tornado four years later |url=https://www.kait8.com/2024/03/29/firefighters-remember-jonesboro-tornado-four-years-later/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=KAIT |language=en}} The lack of fatalities was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic in Arkansas,{{Cite web |date=2020-03-30 |title=NWS confirms EF-3 tornado hit Jonesboro, Ark; 22 injured |url=https://www.actionnews5.com/2020/03/29/nws-confirms-ef-tornado-hit-jonesboro-ark-injured/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Action News 5 |language=en}} which led to public spaces being less crowded than usual and residents already being in their homes.{{Cite web |last=Kinsman |first=Andrew |date=2020-03-30 |title=Jonesboro Arkansas Tornado 2020: A Success Story |url=https://midlandusa.com/blogs/blog/jonesboro-arkansas-tornado-a-warning-success-story?srsltid=AfmBOopyETBXD7pMMlvjv05ATeGWtxFR0BwjRXx2jpQjaGyfJpFFB_Q2 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Midland Radio |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=DeMarrais |first=Griffin |date=2022-03-29 |title=Jonesboro residents remember 2020 tornado |url=https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/29/jonesboro-locals-look-back-2020-tornado/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=KAIT |language=en}} Two of the injured stayed in hospital overnight, but nobody sustained life-threatening injuries.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.ksbw.com/article/a-tornado-struck-near-what-normally-would-ve-been-a-busy-mall-it-was-closed-due-to-coronavirus/31975152 |title=A tornado struck near what normally would've been a busy mall. It was closed due to coronavirus |date=2020-03-30 |language=en |access-date=2025-05-12 |via=KSBW}}
= Warnings =
The NWS was praised for its advanced warnings of the event, including a tornado warning that was issued ten minutes before the tornado actually touched down. In addition to advanced warnings, the tornado was covered live on television and warnings were transmitted via the NOAA Weather Radio outlet, which according to Midland Radio "undoubtedly saved lives".
= Damage survey =
In November 2022, structural engineers Timothy P. Marshall and Gary Woodall for the Haag Engineering Company conducted a detailed damage survey on the tornado.{{Harvnb|Marshall|Woodall|2022}} The survey, titled "Damage survey of the Jonesboro, Arkansas tornado: March 28, 2020" noted that cleanup efforts began immediately after the tornado, which made surveying of tornado damage difficult.{{Harvnb|Marshall|Woodall|2022|p=2}} The survey used Google Street View and other historical imagery to compare the damaged buildings to their pre-tornado state.
One of the buildings surveyed was Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, which was directly impacted by the tornado.{{Harvnb|Marshall|Woodall|2022|p=4}} The building was wood and steel-framed with large windows extending along the building's northern side. The windows blew inward during the tornado, compromising the interior of the structure and lifting up the roof. The survey determined that wind speeds at this location reached {{Convert|110|mph|km/h}}, which corresponds to an upper-end EF1 rating.{{Cite web |title=The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale) |url=https://www.weather.gov/oun/efscale |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=National Weather Service |language=EN-US}}
In October 2021, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen was reopened to the public after being rebuilt; 25 of the original employees returned to work at the restaurant.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-05 |title=Popular restaurant reopens after 2020 tornado |url=https://www.kait8.com/2021/10/05/popular-restaurant-reopens-after-2020-tornado/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=KAIT |language=en}}
= Recovery efforts =
The tornado was described by Weather Underground as "the first U.S. weather disaster of the coronavirus-shutdown era".{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2020 |title=Picking Up the Pieces—Carefully—after an EF3 Tornado in Arkansas |url=https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/picking-up-the-pieces-carefully-after-an-ef3-tornado-in-arkansas |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Weather Underground |language=en}} Rick Crawford stated that “in the midst of this response, maintaining the appropriate posture with regard to COVID-19 is going to be an added challenge”; the pandemic was affecting Arkansas at the time of the tornado.{{Cite news |last=Rojas |first=Rick |last2=Swales |first2=Vanessa |date=2020-03-29 |title=A City Hunkered Down to Survive an Outbreak. That Helped in a Tornado, Too. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/us/tornado-coronavirus-arkansas.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The City of Jonesboro ordered a 7 pm curfew.
Heart to Heart International and other humanitarian groups like the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement helped with recovery efforts in Jonesboro,{{Cite web |date=2020-03-29 |title=Responding to Jonesboro tornado |url=https://www.hearttoheart.org/responding-to-jonesboro-tornado/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Heart to Heart International |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Abbi |date=2020-03-31 |title=Tornado Hits Jonesboro, Leaves 22 Injured, Millions in Damage |url=https://www.uatrav.com/news/state_news/article_059c492a-73b8-11ea-8690-e3d46e276dc9.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Arkansas Traveler |language=en}} as well as first responders and emergency personnel from the region.{{Cite web |title=Responders battling Arkansas tornado recommend FirstNet |url=https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/responders-battling-arkansas-tornado-recommend-firstnet |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=FirstNet (.gov)}} Bay, Arkansas Police Chief Paul Keith stated that “After the tornado passed, [the area] was inundated with first responders from all over". StormPoint, a non-profit group, flew a drone to survey the tornado's damage path, which was conducted to aid the Jonesboro Police Department.
Other tornadoes
Several weaker tornadoes were associated with the storm system that produced the Jonesboro tornado.
| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+List of confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, March 28, 2020{{efn|All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.|group=note|name=Date/Time}} ! scope="col" style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|EF# ! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish ! scope="col" style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Start Coord. ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time (UTC) ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length ! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Max width ! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|NE of Carl to S of Fontanelle |IA |{{Coord|41.1507 |
| 94.6368|name=Carl (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|18:59–19:15 |{{convert|6.47|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|115|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A tornado damaged an outbuilding, with the rest of the path being over open land.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF0 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880671 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}}{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF1 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880672 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|SE of Amagon |AR |{{Coord|35.5072 |
| 91.1184|name=Amagon (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|21:18–21:24 |{{convert|5.33|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |Multiple metal buildings and tractor sheds were damaged or destroyed, and some homes were damaged in and around the small community of Algoa. Farm equipment, outbuildings, and more homes were damaged further along the path, and a few semi-trailers were overturned or rolled. Some trees were uprooted, and power poles were snapped as well.{{cite report |title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=881910 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|storm}}" | EF0
|SSW of Rhodes |IA |{{Coord|41.8819 |
| 93.206|name=Rhodes (Mar. 28 EF0)}}
|21:26–21:28 |{{convert|1.3|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|75|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A tornado moved through rural farmland, causing minor damage to a few groves of trees.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF0 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880684 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|E of Paragould |AR |{{Coord|36.05 |
| 90.3808|name=Paragould (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|22:25–22:30 |{{convert|2.97|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |An industrial building, a grain bin, a mobile home, and several storage buildings were damaged. A center pivot irrigation system was overturned, and numerous trees were downed.{{cite report |title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=882820 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|unk}}" | EFU
|SW of Oneida |Knox |IL |{{Coord|41.0624 |
| 90.238|name=Oneida (Mar. 28 EFU)}}
|22:39–22:40 |{{convert|0.12|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A brief tornado touched down in a field just southwest of Oneida with no damage reported.{{cite report |title=Illinois Event Report: EFU Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=879409 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|unk}}" | EFU
|S of Hudson |IA |{{Coord|42.3136 |
| 92.4686|name=Hudson (Mar. 28 EFU)}}
|22:39–22:42 |{{convert|2.32|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|40|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A tornado in a rural area passed very close to a house, but did no damage.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EFU Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880685 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|storm}}" | EF0
|ENE of Hudson to S of Waterloo |IA |{{Coord|42.4201 |
| 92.3874|name=Hudson (Mar. 28 EF0)}}
|22:49–22:51 |{{convert|2.06|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|115|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A tornado removed the roof of a barn and destroyed a garage. Other buildings and trees were also damaged.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF0 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880686 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|unk}}" | EFU
|NW of Evandale |IA |{{Coord|42.4725 |
| 92.3138|name=Evansdale (Mar. 28 EFU)}}
|22:55–22:56 |{{convert|0.32|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A tornado occurred in an unpopulated near the Waterloo Waste Water Treatment Plant along the Cedar River. While tree damage may have occurred, no damage was reported.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EFU Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880687 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|NNW of Jesup to SE of Fairbank |IA |{{Coord|42.5086 |
| 92.0809|name=Jesup (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|23:15–23:25 |{{convert|7.38|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A tornado moved north-northeast passing through Littleton. There was damage to outbuildings and a barn while also uprooting trees at a farmstead.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF1 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880150 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|Western Oelwein |IA |{{Coord|42.648 |
| 91.9414|name=Oelwein (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|23:30–23:36 |{{convert|3.93|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|140|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A rain-wrapped tornado damaged apartment buildings and trees on the west side of Oelwein. One person was indirectly injured after stepping on broken glass after the tornado dissipated.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF1 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=878419 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|storm}}" | EF0
|E of Maynard |IA |{{Coord|42.7525 |
| 91.8552|name=Maynard (Mar. 28 EF0)}}
|23:40–23:43 |{{convert|3.6|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A weak tornado caused minor damage at several farms.{{cite report |title=Iowa Event Report: EF0 Tornado |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=878425 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=18 March 2022}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|unk}}" | EFU
|ESE of Andover to ENE of Cambridge |IL |{{Coord|41.28 |
| 90.24|name=Cambridge (Mar. 28 EFU)}}
|00:43–00:44 |{{convert|1.07|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|10|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A brief tornado was photographed but did no observable damage.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa|title=Illinois Event Report: EFU Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880149|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat2}}" | EF2
|Corydon to W of Spottsville |KY |{{Coord|37.7418 |
| 87.7038|name=Corydon (Mar. 28 EF2)}}
|00:58–01:12 |{{convert|16.79|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|500|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |This low-end EF2 tornado downed trees in Corydon before moving through the southern fringes of Henderson. Dozens of homes sustained roof, siding, fascia, and soffit damage, and over a dozen barns and outbuildings sustained roof or structural damage. One large, well-built barn was completely destroyed with the debris scattered across a field. Hundreds of trees were either snapped or uprooted along the path, and several power poles were snapped as well.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky|title=Kentucky Event Report: EF2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=875749|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|SE of Ipava |IL |{{Coord|40.3361 |
| 90.319|name=Ipava (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|01:01–01:04 |{{convert|2.06|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |A barn, gazebo, the front porch of a house, outbuildings, and several roofs were damaged.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois|title=Illinois Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=879410|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat2}}" | EF2
|{{Coord|37.9372 |
| 87.4181|name=Newburgh (Mar. 28 EF2)}}
|01:18–01:25 |{{convert|5.06|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|575|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |Five homes in town sustained partial to total roof loss, one of which had a few top floor exterior walls ripped off. Dozens more homes sustained minor to moderate damage. Many garages and other small buildings were damaged, and hundreds of trees were either snapped or uprooted, some of which fell on homes. Numerous power lines were knocked down as well. Two people sustained minor injuries.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky|title=Kentucky Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=875737|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}}{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky|title=Indiana Event Report: EF2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=875736|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|WSW of Tampico |IL |{{Coord|41.6003 |
| 89.8725|name=Tampico (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|01:20–01:22 |{{convert|2.17|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |Outbuildings were damaged, a farm irrigation system was flipped over, and trees were uprooted.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa|title=Illinois Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880152|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|SW of Sherrill |IA |{{Coord|42.5947 |
| 90.8138|name=Sherrill (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|01:25–01:31 |{{convert|3.8|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |Outbuildings were significantly damaged, and several trees were uprooted.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Davenport, Iowa|title=Iowa Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=880154|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|N of Potosi to W of Ellenboro |WI |{{Coord|42.7060 |
| 90.7067|name=Potosi (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|01:35–01:41 |{{convert|6.22|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|120|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |Numerous farms and outbuildings were damaged, and trees and power lines were blown down.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wisconsin|title=Wisconsin Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=878426|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|Western Peoria |IL |{{Coord|40.6571 |
| 89.6754|name=Peoria (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|01:58–02:03 |{{convert|3.27|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |This tornado touched down in the western part of Peoria. Roofs were damaged at a shopping center and in a subdivision, and trees were damaged at a golf course.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois|title=Illinois Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=879411|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
| bgcolor="{{storm colour|cat1}}" | EF1
|E of Oregon to WSW of Stillman Valley |Ogle |IL |{{Coord|42.0178 |
| 89.2964|name=Oregon (Mar. 28 EF1)}}
|02:13–02:24 |{{convert|7.03|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |{{convert|400|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}} |Several structures were damaged, primarily barns and outbuildings. A few homes were damaged as well. and trees and power lines were downed.{{cite web|type=Report|agency=National Weather Service in Chicago, Illinois|title=Illinois Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=878324|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2020|accessdate=January 2, 2023}} |
See also
- 2021 Tri-State tornado, an EF4 tornado that affected the Lake City community east of Jonesboro in December 2021
References
= Footnotes =
{{reflist|group=note}}
= Footnotes =
{{reflist}}
= Sources =
- {{Cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Tim |author-link=Timothy P. Marshall |last2=Woodall |first2=Gary |date=November 2022 |title=Damage survey of the Jonesboro, Arkansas tornado: March 28, 2020 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267555392 |access-date=May 12, 2025 |website=ResearchGate}}
{{2020 tornado outbreaks}}{{Jonesboro, Arkansas}}
Category:Tornadoes in Arkansas