Tropical Storm Laura moved ashore from the Gulf of Mexico near Cameron, LA, around 1200 AM CST on August 27, 2020 with 150 mph sustained winds! This part of the state had never experienced such a powerful (Category 4) hurricane. Measured gusts exceeded 130 mph in Lake Charles, LA. Not only was there widespread structural damage, a television tower was destroyed and the WSR-88D (Doppler Weather Radar) at the local National Weather Service (NWS) office was obliterated. Staff at the office was evacuated prior to the arrival of Laura, with backup provided by NWS Brownsville, TX.
Laura remained a hurricane well inland as the system ventured to the north at around 15 mph. A swath of heavy rain (two to more than five inches) spread into southern, central, and northeast Arkansas in the twenty four hour period ending at 700 am CDT on the 28th. Fordyce (Dallas County) received 5.25 inches of precipitation, with 4.48 inches at Cabot (Lonoke County), 4.39 inches at Marche (Pulaski County), 4.37 inches at North Little Rock (Pulaski County), 4.17 inches at Keo (Lonoke County), 3.85 inches at Calamine (Sharp County), 3.60 inches at Stuttgart (Arkansas County), 3.55 inches at Batesville (Independence County) and El Dorado (Union County), 3.53 inches at Sheridan (Grant County), and 3.50 inches at Alicia (Lawrence County).
The atmosphere was loaded with moisture, and this created high rainfall rates. Water came down faster than it could be carried away, and roads flooded at Benton (Saline County), North Little Rock and Sherwood (both in Pulaski County), Walnut Ridge and near Ravenden (both in Lawrence County), and a few miles east of Mena (Polk County).

Tropical Storm in GRANT, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Sheriff office reported a few trees were blown down.

Flash Flood in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 20:45:00 to 27-AUG-20 23:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT RIDGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Northwest 4th and Main Street were closed due to high water in Walnut Ridge.

Tropical Storm in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:15:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:15:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several large trees were blown down. One tree fell onto a house and caused significant damage.

Tornado in RANDOLPH, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 21:07:00 to 27-AUG-20 21:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIGGERS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A storm survey crew from the NWS Office in Little Rock found tornado consistent with an EF2 rating.  A house sustained major roof damage on Highway 328 west of Maynard, with most of the walls still standing. An agricultural shop was destroyed 2 miles south of Biggers.
The tornado started just southeast of US67/62 southwest of
Biggers, destroying a metal farm building and snapping trees
along Lutrell Cemetery Road. The tornado continued northwest
blowing in some garage doors on some large metal buildings, along
with snapping limbs off of multiple trees along Gas Plant and
Biggers-Reyno roads. The tornado continued northwest for several
miles, causing mainly damage to trees, from broken limbs, to
uprooting or snapping those tree trunks. The worst damage was
observed at a site built home off of State Hwy 328 and Jerrett
Loop Road southwest of Maynard, where large sections of the roof
were torn off allowing a couple walls to fall inward. At the same
residence, a large metal outbuilding or barn was destroyed. Many
mature trees were snapped or uprooted around this location. The
tornado finally lifted further northwest along State Hwy 251
south of Palestine Road.

Tropical Storm in HOT SPRING, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:49:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:49:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were blown down across Hot Spring County.

Flash Flood in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 22:00:00 to 28-AUG-20 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RAVENDEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

County Rd. 106 had a portion of it washed out by flooding. A picture and report were received from social media.

Tropical Storm in CLARK, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:50:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Poles were snapped along Highway 67 near east Dobson.

Flash Flood in POLK, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 22:00:00 to 28-AUG-20 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: INK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several county roads were flooded across eastern Polk County.

Tropical Storm in CLARK, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:50:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

There were multiple reports of trees and power lines down across Clark County.

Tornado in WOODRUFF, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 17:45:00 to 27-AUG-20 17:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOODRICH
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A storm survey crew from the NWS Office in Little Rock found tornado damage consistent with an EF0 rating.
This tornado formed just northeast of the intersection of highways
37 and 269 north of McCrory, where a covered parking area roof was
blown west. At that same residence, a large tree fell southwest
onto the home. This tornado continued northwest over cropland,
pushing over a power pole off County Road 338, then proceeded to
cross State Highway 17 blowing down more trees and tree limbs.
This tornado lifted shortly afterwards to the northwest.

Tropical Storm in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 14:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A large tree was down and through a fence in De Witt. The report was relayed via a picture on social media by broadcast media.

Tropical Storm in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff office reported 19 reports of trees and power lines down in Roland, Hensley, and Jacksonville. Calls came in between 1 pm CDT and 530 pm CDT.

Tropical Storm in CLARK, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 14:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A large tree was downed by strong winds in Arkadelphia. The picture was relayed via social media by broadcast media.

Flash Flood in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 12:30:00 to 27-AUG-20 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMPTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A road or two had water over them. There was a road washed out.

Tropical Storm in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 14:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several large trees were downed in Stuttgart and relayed by pictures via social media.

Flash Flood in BRADLEY, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 12:30:00 to 27-AUG-20 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLOQUET
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flash flooding was reported.

Flash Flood in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 15:50:00 to 27-AUG-20 15:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A video showed water flowing over roads in Benton on social media, relayed by broadcast media.

Tropical Storm in DESHA, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 10:44:00 to 27-AUG-20 10:44:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported power lines down in McGehee.

Flash Flood in PIKE, ARKANSAS
From 26-AUG-20 07:30:00 to 26-AUG-20 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LANGLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff office reported portions of Highway 84 West near Langley was flooded.

Flash Flood in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 17:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORT ROOTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several streets and intersections in North Little Rock were flooded and impassable. Several pictures and reports were acquired via social media. The time was estimated based on the time of tweet and radar data.

Tropical Storm in LINCOLN, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 11:18:00 to 27-AUG-20 11:18:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees and power lines were down in the county.

Tropical Storm in DALLAS, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 10:45:00 to 27-AUG-20 10:45:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A large hardwood tree was reported down.

Tropical Storm in WOODRUFF, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 17:49:00 to 27-AUG-20 17:49:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A house carport was destroyed with a hole in the wall of the carport.

Tropical Storm in LONOKE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 14:31:00 to 27-AUG-20 14:31:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Lots of trees were down across the county. Fourteen trees were down and power lines also with most of those reports. Trees were across roads in Ward, Austin, and Greystone. A privacy fence was also blown over.

Tropical Storm in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 11:05:00 to 27-AUG-20 11:05:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were reported down across Camden, with at least one tree down on a home in Camden.

Tropical Storm in JACKSON, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 18:15:00 to 27-AUG-20 18:15:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roof damage was reported between Tupelo and Beeddeville.

Flash Flood in LONOKE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 14:44:00 to 27-AUG-20 17:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: JABB
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 13 north of Carlisle was flooded. Also Highway 89 by Gentry was flooded, along with Central High Rd.

Tropical Storm in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 11:05:00 to 27-AUG-20 11:05:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Trees were reported down across Camden, with at least one tree down on a home in Camden.

Tropical Storm in WHITE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 18:35:00 to 27-AUG-20 18:35:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Multiple trees were blown down.

Tropical Storm in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 26-AUG-20 23:00:00 to 26-AUG-20 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A picture was shared on social media of large trees down over Old State Road southwest of Monticello.

Tropical Storm in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 12:30:00 to 27-AUG-20 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Lots of trees were reported down and one tree was on a house in Thornton, relayed by broadcast media via pictures on social media.

Tropical Storm in BRADLEY, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 10:23:00 to 27-AUG-20 10:23:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees, limbs, and power lines were reported down. A Pizza Hut sign was destroyed.

Tropical Storm in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 11:50:00 to 27-AUG-20 11:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A metal roof was blown off a shop building.

Tropical Storm in WHITE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 18:35:00 to 27-AUG-20 18:35:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Multiple trees were blown down.

Tropical Storm in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 11:50:00 to 27-AUG-20 11:50:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees and power lines were reported down along county roads across parts of of Ouachita County.

Tropical Storm in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 12:30:00 to 27-AUG-20 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was down on a car and some roofs were ripped off.

Tropical Storm in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 12:05:00 to 27-AUG-20 12:05:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

There were several reports of trees down across Drew County.

Tropical Storm in SHARP, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 19:45:00 to 27-AUG-20 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Power lines were down in Ozark Acres.

Tropical Storm in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:16:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:16:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down across Cleveland County.

Tropical Storm in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 13:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Several trees and power lines were down in Tillar. A picture and report were aquired on social media from local broadcast television. The time of damage was estimated from radar.

Tropical Storm in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 19:45:00 to 27-AUG-20 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Transformers were blown and power lines were down in Sedgwick on Smith Ave.

Flash Flood in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 27-AUG-20 16:00:00 to 27-AUG-20 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: VALENTINE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The intersection of Brockington and Kiehl was flooded and impassable to traffic.