LAKE CITY, AR – A large and violent wedge tornado tore through Lake City, Arkansas, on Tuesday evening, causing extensive damage as severe storms swept across the region. Meteorologists estimate that the tornado may have reached EF3 or higher intensity based on early assessments of the destruction.
Captured on video by storm chaser Brandon Copic, the massive twister was part of a broader tornado outbreak impacting multiple states across the Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi River Valleys. At the peak of the outbreak, 25 active tornado warnings were in effect from Louisiana to Indiana, with multiple confirmed tornadoes reported across Arkansas and Illinois.
Authorities have confirmed significant damage in and around Lake City, with emergency responders working to assess the full extent of the destruction. Images shared by storm chasers, including Connor Croff, depict widespread devastation, with homes and infrastructure severely impacted. As a result, Highway 18 west of Lake City to Monette has been shut down, and officials are advising the public to avoid the area.
While the storm has moved out of Lake City and into the Missouri Bootheel, it remains a threat to communities further east. Forecasters are urging residents in the path of these storms to stay alert and take all tornado warnings seriously.
Emergency crews are actively responding to affected areas, and officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation. With the potential for further destructive tornadoes as the outbreak continues, meteorologists stress the importance of staying vigilant and prepared.
Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm as recovery efforts begin.
