Early on the 5th, a strong storm system approached from the Plains. Ahead of the system, breezy southerly winds provided well above normal temperatures and abundant moisture. Warmth and moisture destabilized the atmosphere and fueled developing thunderstorms. A cold front moved across the state causing numerous severe storms and several tornadoes. One of the tornadoes tracked from Yell County to Sharp County, staying on the ground for 121.84 miles. This track length set a record for the longest tornado path ever recorded in Arkansas. The continuous track was confirmed by two National Weather Service meteorologists who flew the track with the Civil Air Patrol. The final track was based on ground surveys, the Civil Air Patrol flight, and an aerial mapping flight performed for the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

Hail in SCOTT, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:15:00 to 05-FEB-08 16:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in POPE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 14:40:00 to 05-FEB-08 14:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: TILLY
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in SEARCY, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 15:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINDALL
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in CONWAY, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:21:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLEVELAND
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in JOHNSON, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 14:15:00 to 05-FEB-08 14:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARKSVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:17:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: (LRF)LITTLE ROCK AFB
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Tornado in YELL, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:49:00 to 05-FEB-08 16:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEELY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

What was to become a very long-tracked tornado began in Yell County.  Only minor tree damage was noted. The tornado then tracked into the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Pope County.

Tornado in POPE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:50:00 to 05-FEB-08 16:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOLLA BEND
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado from Yell County tracked into the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Pope County.  Damage was limited to trees being blown down on the southeast side of the refuge.  The tornado then tracked back into Yell County, in the Carden Bottoms area.

Thunderstorm Wind in INDEPENDENCE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:20:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLORAL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A chicken house was destroyed in Floral.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRADLEY, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 20:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARSDEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Newspaper

Between 12 to 15 trees were blown down on roadways in south Bradley County.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:13:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: (LIT)LITTLE ROCK ADA
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Hail in DALLAS, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:50:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPARKMAN
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 20:43:00 to 05-FEB-08 20:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE WITT
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LITTLE ROCK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down. Roofs were damaged on a number of homes by fallen trees.

Hail in POPE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:02:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in PRAIRIE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:24:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: SLOVAK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Golf ball sized hail was reported at Stuttgart Airport.

Hail in GRANT, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:25:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHERIDAN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tornado in MONROE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:48:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARENDON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several dozen trees were blown down or snapped off, power lines were blown down along Arkansas Highway 39, and shingles were taken off a few roofs.

Tornado in FAULKNER, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:05:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: FUNSTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees and power lines were blown down, a barn was destroyed, and part of an old chicken house collapsed.  The tornado continued into White County, in the area southwest of El Paso.

Tornado in WHITE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:08:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: EL PASO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved from Faulkner County, east of Vilonia, into White County, southwest of El Paso.  Trees and power lines were blown down, and a mobile home was destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind in LONOKE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CABOT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Trees and power lines were blown down in the Cabot area.

Thunderstorm Wind in LONOKE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENGLAND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A downed power pole was reported on Central High Road.

Hail in JOHNSON, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 14:20:00 to 05-FEB-08 14:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: LUDWIG
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in MARION, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:02:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: WARE'S CHAPEL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.75M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A Red Cross survey indicated that 3 houses had major damage, 5 had minor damage, and 5 others were affected.  In addition, 3 mobile homes were destroyed, 3 had major damage, and 2 had minor damage.  Numerous trees and power lines were blown down as well.  The tornado continued into Baxter County, just east-southeast of Cotter.

Tornado in BAXTER, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:11:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: COTTER
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 15.75M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved from Marion County, north-northeast of Rea Valley, into Baxter County, just east-southeast of Cotter. A survey by the Red Cross indicated 21 houses were destroyed, 23 suffered major damage, 35 had minor damage, and 147 others were affected.  In addition, 9 mobile homes were destroyed, 12 suffered major damage, 10 had minor damage, and 10 others were affected.  One fatality occurred in a mobile home park.  Most of the residential structures were in the area around Gassville.  A number of businesses in Gassville, along U.S. Highway 62/412, were damaged.  Numerous trees, power lines, and power poles were blown down.  The tornado dissipated before reaching Mountain Home.

Thunderstorm Wind in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Power lines were blown down and trees were snapped and uprooted. Also, storage buildings were destroyed and a roof was blown off of a saw mill. Trees and power lines were blown down across Arkansas Highway 35. Trees blown down onto power lines caused power outages on Old Deane Road, Old Troy Road, and Midway Route.

Hail in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: JEROME
Magnitude: 2.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Hail covered the ground on Arkansas Highway 922.

Thunderstorm Wind in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:30:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Sardis Road between Shannon Hills and southwest Little Rock was closed due to limbs and trees blocking the road.

Tornado in YELL, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:52:00 to 05-FEB-08 16:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARDEN BOTTOMS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

After exiting the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Pope County, the tornado re-entered Yell County in the Carden Bottoms area.  There was minor damage to two structures and a number of trees were blown down.  The tornado then crossed the Arkansas River, moving back into Pope County in the area southwest of Atkins.

Lightning in CLEBURNE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 19:05:00 to 05-FEB-08 19:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: QUITMAN
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Lightning struck the school campus, causing damage to the school and surveillance system.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:45:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: REYDELL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A carport was blown over and landed in a living room.

Tornado in CONWAY, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:08:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: HATTIEVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 14.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved out of Pope County, northeast of Atkins, into Conway County, west of Hattieville.  According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 56 residences (both houses and mobile homes) suffered damage.  Altogether, 32 residences were destroyed, 6 had major damage, and 18 had minor damage.  Several chicken houses were destroyed, and approximately 80,000 chickens were killed.  Numerous trees, power lines, and power poles were blown down.  An elderly couple was killed about 3.2 miles south-southwest of Cleveland when their mobile home was destroyed.  The tornado then moved into Van Buren County, south-southeast of Beverage Town.

Tornado in SHARP, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:41:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: HORSESHOE BEND
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 30.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved out of Izard County, south of Horseshoe Bend, and into Sharp County, northwest of Evening Shade.  According to a survey by the Red Cross, 30 houses were destroyed, 7 suffered major damage, 17 had minor damage, and 11 others were affected.  In addition, 10 mobile homes were destroyed, 1 had major damage, 2 had minor damage, and 1 was affected.  Two apartments had minor damage and two others were affected.  At least 40 businesses along U.S. Highway 62/412 in Highland were damaged or destroyed.  Also, a church was destroyed and vehicles were overturned along the highway.  The fire department in Highland lost most of its building and equipment.  The Highland High School had minor damage.  The tornado finally ended its long path northeast of Highland.

Thunderstorm Wind in GARLAND, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:00:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Three large pine trees fell on a home in Hot Springs Village. A pine tree fell on a golf course. Also, an 80-foot tree fell on a home.

Tornado in VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:23:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEVERAGE TOWN
Tornado F-scale: EF4
Property damage: 22.75M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved from Conway County, northeast of Cleveland, into Van Buren County, south-southeast of Beverage Town.  A Red Cross survey indicated that 41 houses were destroyed, 26 suffered major damage, 29 had minor damage, and 30 others were affected.  In addition, 21 mobile homes were destroyed, 4 suffered major damage, 2 had minor damage, and one other was affected.  A boat factory was destroyed, and a church and a number of businesses were damaged.  Three fatalities occurred:  One in a house 3.2 miles south-southwest of Clinton, one at the boat factory in Clinton, and one in a mobile home 2.5 miles west of Shirley.  The tornado continued into Stone County, south-southwest of Rushing.

Tornado in IZARD, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 18:16:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: GUION
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 11.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved out of Stone County, northeast of Mountain View, into Izard County, just northwest of Guion.  A survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency indicated 106 residential structures (houses and mobile homes) suffered damage.  This included 43 residences destroyed, 14 with major damage, 36 with minor damage, and 13 others affected.  A cattle farmer lost hundreds of cattle to the tornado.  Two fatalities occurred:  One in a mobile home in the Rose Trail area, and the other in a mobile home at Zion.  The tornado continued into Sharp County, in the area northwest of Evening Shade.

Tornado in POPE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 16:54:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: GALLA ROCK
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 11.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved out of the Carden Bottoms area of Yell County, crossing the Arkansas River, and re-entering Pope County southwest of Atkins.  The intensity and width of the tornado increased quickly within just a couple of miles after it moved across the Arkansas River.  According to a survey by the Red Cross, damage included 46 houses destroyed, 19 houses with major damage, 37 houses with minor damage, and 2 other houses affected.  In addition, 6 mobile homes were destroyed, 1 mobile home had major damage, and 4 others suffered minor damage.  Several businesses were damaged as well.  Numerous trees, power lines, and power poles were blown down.  Several vehicles were blown off Interstate 40 as the tornado crossed the highway.  One fatality occurred in the Lucky Landing area when a woman was thrown from her mobile home.  Three fatalities, all members of a single family, occurred at a house on the east side of Atkins.  Another fatality occurred in the Happy Bend community when a man left his mobile home and took shelter in a large, metal, intermodal shipping container.  The container was blown hundreds of yards into the woods.  The tornado then moved into Conway County, in the area west of Hattieville.

Tornado in YELL, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:31:00 to 05-FEB-08 17:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIRTA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado knocked down some trees on private property, well away from any public roads.

Tornado in STONE, ARKANSAS
From 05-FEB-08 17:51:00 to 05-FEB-08 18:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUSHING
Tornado F-scale: EF4
Property damage: 29.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved from Van Buren County, north of Shirley, into Stone County, south-southwest of Rushing.  According to a Red Cross survey, 24 houses were destroyed, 11 suffered major damage, 11 had minor damage, and 21 others were affected.  Mobile home damage included 14 destroyed, 4 with major damage, 4 with minor damage, and 6 others affected.  Major damage to businesses occurred near the intersection of Arkansas Highways 5 and 14 on the southeast side of Mountain View.  A car dealership was destroyed and some of the cars on the sales lot were thrown across the highway.  One car was lofted over a building across the highway and then thrown down into a ravine.  Nearby, a utility pole was pulled up by the tornado, and then a large part of the pole was jammed back into the ground with all the wires still attached.  The Stone County Medical Center suffered substantial damage, and a number of doctors' offices nearby were destroyed.  Other businesses destroyed included a body shop, a paint shop, and a car parts store.  A fire station had major damage.  A major electrical transmission line outside of Mountain View was destroyed.  It was nearly a week before the line could be rebuilt and power restored.  One person was killed in a house just east of the Highway 5/14 intersection.  The tornado continued into Izard County, in the area just northwest of Guion.