Craighead County, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — May 19, 2025 — The National Weather Service issued preliminary damage survey results from the tornado-warned storms in Craighead County on the morning of Friday, May 16.
The NWS issued a preliminary rating of EF-1, estimating peak winds at 90 mph. The storm knocked down power lines and poles and left hundreds without power. No injuries or deaths were reported.
The storm’s path was estimated to be 7.11 miles and its width 150 yards. The NWS said the storm started about four miles east of Bay at 7:46 a.m. and ended at 7:53 a.m. about three miles northwest of Caraway.
“An EF-1 tornado formed in a field north of County Road 618 just south of Lunsford, overturning a center-pivot irrigation system,” the survey said. “The tornado moved northeast, snapping several power poles along County Road 817. One outbuilding and a home sustained roof damage on County Road 815. The tornado crossed the St. Francis River near Sandy, producing minor tree damage on County Road 848 near the Mangrum community before lifting.”
The NWS said the results from the survey are preliminary and are subject to change pending final review for NWS Storm Data.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF Scale, classifies tornadoes into the following categories:
- EF-0: Peak winds 65 to 85 mph
- EF-1: Peak winds 86 to 110 mph
- EF-2: Peak winds 111 to 135 mph
- EF-3: Peak winds 136 to 165 mph
- EF-4: Peak winds 166 to 200 mph
- EF-5: Peak winds exceeding 200 mph