On the 8th as a cold front headed this way from Canada. It was a very warm afternoon, with high temperatures in the 80s to lower 90s. It was 92 degrees at Harrison (Boone County) and Russellville (Pope County), and 91 degrees at Mena (Polk County), and Mountain Home (Baxter County). Normal highs are in the upper 60s to mid 70s.
The heat and increasing moisture made the atmosphere extremely unstable. However, thunderstorms had some difficulty developing. Data acquired from a balloon launch by the National Weather Service at the North Little Rock Airport (Pulaski County) revealed warming aloft (an inversion) at 100 pm CDT. Readings went from 68 degrees at 2000 feet to 75 degrees at 2500 feet. This tended to cap the lower levels of the atmosphere, and prevented storms from taking off. For most of the afternoon, there were few clouds.
Capping was weakest in the northeast, and this is where isolated storms finally went haywire by 500 pm CDT. One storm in particular peaked the interest of radar operators and kept them busy for several hours. The storm unleashed baseball size hail at Strawberry (Lawrence County), and golf balls at Horseshoe Bend (Izard County), Lynn (Lawrence County), and Ravenden (Lawrence County).
The biggest event of month happened on the 12th (Easter) and 13th. There were more than 1,000 reports of wind damage and at least 130 tornadoes from Texas to the Carolinas. Sadly, there were three dozen casualties.
We had to deal with a line of nasty thunderstorms. The line had bowing segments, indicating that powerful winds were driving the storms forward and causing them to bulge outward. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were first issued between 530 pm and 600 pm CDT, and continued for five hours until the storms moved east of the Mississippi River. The storms produced damaging wind gusts from 60 to more than 80 mph, and knocked out power to at least 150,000 utility customers.
There were numerous reports of trees and power lines downed, with trees blocking roads in some cases. Trees fell on residences, resulting in a death at White Hall (Jefferson County) and an injury at Glen Rose (Hot Spring County). Outbuildings and sheds were damaged or destroyed. A roof was blown off of a poultry farm on Highway 154 north of Danville (Yell County). A 68 mph gust was measured at Petit Jean State Park (Conway County).
Much of Arkansas received one to more than three inches of rain, with the heaviest amounts over central and southern sections of the state. Monticello (Drew County) had an estimated 3.73 inches of precipitation on the 12th, breaking a daily record that stood since 1877.
This was one of the more significant downpours of the month, and contributed to largely above average rainfall totals. Surpluses of liquid in April were more than an inch at Little Rock (Pulaski County), and Pine Bluff (Jefferson County).

Hail in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:52:00 to 12-APR-20 18:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMPTON
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A report of ping pong ball hail was received via social media.

Hail in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:57:00 to 12-APR-20 18:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARRELL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A quarter size hail report was received via social media.

Hail in WHITE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:16:00 to 12-APR-20 19:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSE BUD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter size hail in Rose Bud.

Hail in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:44:00 to 12-APR-20 19:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUMPHREY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Quarter size hail was reported in Humphrey.

Thunderstorm Wind in JOHNSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:23:00 to 12-APR-20 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTANA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Emergency Manager reported a tree down and power out in the Goosecamp area.

Thunderstorm Wind in JOHNSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:23:00 to 12-APR-20 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARTMAN
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were down and blocking Highway 64, west of Clarksville.

Thunderstorm Wind in LOGAN, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 16:54:00 to 12-APR-20 16:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNSVILLE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines down at the intersection of Highway 116 and 23.

Thunderstorm Wind in YELL, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:31:00 to 12-APR-20 17:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: RANGER
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Emergency Manager reported a roof was blown off of a poultry farm on Highway 154 north of Danville.

Thunderstorm Wind in YELL, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:39:00 to 12-APR-20 17:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONE PINE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Multiple large trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in JOHNSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:43:00 to 12-APR-20 17:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: OZONE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down and blocking Highway 21 in Ozone.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:51:00 to 12-APR-20 17:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAISY
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were blown down along with power outages. A dock was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in GARLAND, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:02:00 to 12-APR-20 18:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEARCY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Multiple large trees were down in Pearcy. The spotter estimated 60 mph wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind in CONWAY, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:06:00 to 12-APR-20 18:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: PETIT JEAN STATE PARK
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A personal weather station measured a 68 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:56:00 to 12-APR-20 18:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEOLA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported a 70 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:16:00 to 12-APR-20 19:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATSON CHAPEL
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Fire Chief in Watson Chapel estimated a wind gust of 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:19:00 to 12-APR-20 19:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: REDFIELD
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

The amateur radio operator reported an estimated 60 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:34:00 to 12-APR-20 19:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLLEGE STATION
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

The RAWS Station at the University of Arkansas at Monticello measured a 58 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:57:00 to 12-APR-20 19:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE WITT
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The wind gust was measured from a trained spotter's weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in PRAIRIE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:58:00 to 12-APR-20 19:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: (SGT)STUTTGART MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The AWOS at the Stuttgart Municipal Airport measured this gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in CONWAY, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:20:00 to 12-APR-20 18:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HICKORY HILL
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The fire department reported trees and power lines down on Highway 95 north of Morrilton, blocking the road.

Thunderstorm Wind in GARLAND, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:22:00 to 12-APR-20 18:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOT SPGS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported multiple trees down, with some trees on cars in Hot Springs.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:27:00 to 12-APR-20 18:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARKADELPHIA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A few of the trees were blown down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in CONWAY, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:31:00 to 12-APR-20 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLUMERVILLE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple trees were reported down in Plummerville.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOT SPRING, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:36:00 to 12-APR-20 18:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKPORT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Multiple trees, power lines, and fences were reported down in downtown Malvern.

Thunderstorm Wind in FAULKNER, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:45:00 to 12-APR-20 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENBRIER
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Portions of Highway 65 were blocked by downed power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:49:00 to 12-APR-20 18:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: CONGO
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Multiple large trees were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:54:00 to 12-APR-20 18:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: TULL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were downed in Tull.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:00:00 to 12-APR-20 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHERIDAN
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several trees were blown down and there was some damage noted to small outbuildings.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:00:00 to 12-APR-20 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALSTEAD
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees were down and blocking Kanis Rd. in West Little Rock.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:10:00 to 12-APR-20 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: RISON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Widespread damage occurred across the county with numerous trees and power lines down. Some roads in the county were blocked due to the extent of the downed trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:11:00 to 12-APR-20 19:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAST END
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees and power lines were reported down on East End Rd. in East End. NWS storm survey confirmed straight-line winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:12:00 to 12-APR-20 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRUCE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Multiple large trees and power lines were down, blocking portions of Highway 270.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:15:00 to 12-APR-20 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITE HALL
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees and power lines were down in the area. One fatality occurred after a tree fell on a residence.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:19:00 to 12-APR-20 19:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITE HALL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained storm spotter reported trees and power lines down in White Hall.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:24:00 to 12-APR-20 19:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: RYE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported multiple trees down in Rye.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:25:00 to 12-APR-20 19:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: REST
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous trees were blown down as well as power lines. There was some damage to roofs and small sheds.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:33:00 to 12-APR-20 19:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: STAR CITY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Multiple trees and power lines were down in Star City.

Thunderstorm Wind in DREW, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:34:00 to 12-APR-20 19:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple trees and power lines were knocked down in Monticello.

Thunderstorm Wind in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:42:00 to 12-APR-20 19:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUMPHREY
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several trees were down as well as a few power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in DESHA, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:55:00 to 12-APR-20 19:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: KELSO
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several trees were blown down in Kelso.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 20:10:00 to 12-APR-20 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: INDIAN BAY
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Damage occurred to a mobile home and roof damage occured to a home. A small shed was blown away.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:13:00 to 12-APR-20 18:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANTOINE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The Cooperative Observer from Antoine 1 SW reported 8 to 10 trees blown down in town. Also, small hail fell. The event time is based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:53:00 to 12-APR-20 18:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: DOGWOOD
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees were blown down. A house sustained roof damage, and a camper was flipped over.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:55:00 to 12-APR-20 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: TINSMAN
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Downed trees caused portions of Highway 274 to be blocked.

Thunderstorm Wind in DESHA, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:45:00 to 12-APR-20 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROHWER
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Roofs were peeled back or blown off of several outbuildings and several trees were snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind in PRAIRIE, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 19:55:00 to 12-APR-20 19:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE VALLS BLUFF
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A power line was blown down on Highway 33 south of De Valls Bluff blocking all lanes.

Hail in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 17:51:00 to 08-APR-20 17:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRAWBERRY
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This report was relayed by NWS Memphis.

Hail in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 17:30:00 to 08-APR-20 17:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RAVENDEN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Golf ball size hail was reported in Ravenden.

Hail in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 18:03:00 to 08-APR-20 18:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: LYNN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Hail in FULTON, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 16:31:00 to 08-APR-20 16:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEXAR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail was reported south of Viola in Fulton County. Time was estimated from radar.

Hail in IZARD, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 16:55:00 to 08-APR-20 16:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: HORSESHOE BEND ARPT
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in IZARD, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 17:00:00 to 08-APR-20 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HORSESHOE BEND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Golf ball size hail was reported in Horshoe Bend.

Hail in LAWRENCE, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 17:53:00 to 08-APR-20 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRAWBERRY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This report was relayed by NWS Memphis.

Hail in RANDOLPH, ARKANSAS
From 08-APR-20 20:25:00 to 08-APR-20 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAYNARD
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Dime size hail was reported in Maynard.

Hail in JOHNSON, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 17:34:00 to 12-APR-20 17:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARKSVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Nickel size hail was reported by spotters.

Hail in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:31:00 to 12-APR-20 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: KIRKLAND
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:31:00 to 12-APR-20 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRENCHPORT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported nickel size hail.

Hail in OUACHITA, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:31:00 to 12-APR-20 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLLENDALE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter size hail.

Hail in FAULKNER, ARKANSAS
From 12-APR-20 18:41:00 to 12-APR-20 18:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOOSTER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail was reported by storm spotters.