Tornado outbreak of January 21–23, 1999

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Tornado outbreak of January 21–23, 1999

A large and dangerous tornado outbreak swept across the Midwest and South United States from January 21 to 23, 1999, mainly along the Mississippi River Valley. It was the largest January tornado outbreak on record, with 128 confirmed tornadoes over about 46 hours. Nine people were killed and 162 were injured. Damage was about $90.5 million. The most powerful tornado in the outbreak was rated F4, but the event is best remembered for an F3 tornado that struck Little Rock, Arkansas, causing three deaths.

What happened
A strong weather system created many rotating storms. A deep low-pressure area moved from Texas and Oklahoma toward Arkansas and Missouri, while a dry line pushed into eastern Texas and into Arkansas. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and strong winds at different heights produced the conditions for tornadoes and large hail. The result was a widespread outbreak with long-tracked tornadoes and damaging winds.

The Little Rock tornado
On January 21, a violent F3 tornado hit the Little Rock area. It began southwest of Vimy Ridge, moved through Pulaski County, and crossed Interstate 30, causing severe damage near downtown Little Rock. More than 235 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, including a Harvest Foods grocery store where a pharmacist died. Trees and power lines were knocked down, and damage extended into the governor’s mansion area. The tornado lifted near Sherwood after traveling about 22 miles (35 km) and staying on the ground for about 29 minutes.

Other tornadoes
Another tornado in eastern Pulaski County was rated F2 and caused damage in more rural areas, including Lonoke County, where several houses, mobile homes, and farm buildings were damaged or destroyed. This outbreak overall caused nine deaths (three of them from the Little Rock F3) and many injuries, along with widespread property damage.