Craighead County, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 16, 2025 — In response to incoming severe weather, JRN has compiled a list of public storm shelters across Craighead County, plus Paragould. This list will be updated as we learn of more shelters opening.
JONESBORO:
- Craighead County Courthouse Annex
- 511 Union St.
- Opens during a tornado watch. No pets allowed.
- Valley View tunnel
- Enter the tunnel through the Junior High entrance located under the awning on the east side of the building.
- Westside High School
- 1630 Highway 91 West. No pets allowed.
Arkansas State University students may go to the Reng Student Union for shelter. It opens during a tornado watch and is pet-friendly. While the Union is primarily for students, members of the public will not be turned away if seeking shelter.
PARAGOULD:
Even though Paragould is located in Greene County, JRN is providing a list of public storm shelters here as well. Like the Craighead County shelters, this will continue to be updated as we learn of more shelters opening.
- Arkansas Methodist Medical Center
- 900 W. Kingshighway
- Opens during a warning, no pets allowed.
BROOKLAND:
- Brookland Storm Shelter
- 407 South Holman St.
No pets allowed.
LAKE CITY:
- 602 Catfish Drive
- Riverside Elementary School
- Public storm shelter
- 126 Stone St. (there are currently no lights installed in this new shelter, bring a flashlight)
- Wayne “Biscuit” Shorts Memorial Park
- 809 Olathe St. (there are currently no lights installed in this new shelter, bring a flashlight)
No pets allowed.
MONETTE:
- City Park
- 602 Virginia Ave.
- Masonic Lodge
- 307 N. Edmonds Ave.
- Fire Department
- 112 N. Edmonds Ave.
- Senior Center
- 504 S. Williams St. (use the southeast entrance)
Pets are not allowed at the Monette shelters.
SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS:
If unable to make it to a public shelter, get to the lowest level or most interior part of your home. A basement is best, but if there isn’t one available, take cover in a closet or bathroom. You want to put as many walls between you and the storm as possible.
If living in a mobile home, seek sturdier shelter like a neighbor’s house or a public shelter. If you’re caught outside and can’t get to shelter in time, lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head and neck. Do not seen shelter under an overpass or bridge. If in your car, do not try to outrun the storm, get out of your car and seek shelter.
Be sure to keep a flashlight, extra batteries and a portable radio with you in the event of a power failure. This allows you to stay informed.
If severe weather strikes at night, be sure to keep a sturdy pair of shoes, flashlight, and radio near your bed. Make sure to have silent mode disabled on your phone so you can get alerts.
For the most up-to-date information on incoming weather, listen to Jonesboro Media Group radio stations 104.9 The Fox, 100.5 The Eagle, and Mix 106.3.