March certainly roared in like a lion across the state with back to back severe weather events on March 1st and 2nd into the 3rd. Storms on these days led to a few tornadoes as well as hail as large as 3 inches in diameter. Very heavy rainfall was noted across the area as well which led to flash flooding and widespread river flooding. One fatality occurred because of the flooding in Scott County on March 2nd.
As the air heated up, and the atmosphere destabilized, severe thunderstorms were triggered by the front during the late afternoon and evening. The storms produced very large hail, and also caused spotty wind damage. Hail slightly larger than baseballs was reported at Woodlawn (Cleveland County), with ping pong ball size stones near Benton (Saline County) and west of Stuttgart (Arkansas County), and half dollar size hail a few miles north of Norman (Montgomery County). At Rison (Cleveland County), wind gusts up to 85 mph ripped the roof off of a church and a strip mall. Part of a brick facade was removed from latter structure. Trees were also toppled, with one tree blocking Highway 79.
The front on the 1st advanced toward the Louisiana border and stalled. The front was followed by cooler air. On the 2nd, all eyes were on a powerful storm system in the southern Rockies. In response to the approaching system, the front began lifting back to the north. By 400 pm CST, the front cleared the southern counties, and temperatures warmed into the 70s. However, readings north of Little Rock (Pulaski County) were mostly in the 50s.
As the system neared in the late afternoon, it interacted with the front and round two of thunderstorms commenced from central/northeast Texas into southeast Oklahoma. Eventually, storms congealed into a line and raced toward Arkansas. As the storms progressed into the state after dark, it was clear that severe weather (including tornadoes) was most likely south of the front (in mild air), with mainly heavy to excessive rain farther north (where cooler conditions existed).
Between 900 pm and 1000 pm CST, trees were pushed over by straight-line winds west of Y City (Scott County). About this time, rain was coming down in buckets across Scott and Yell Counties, and numerous roads were flooded/about to flood. At Boles (Scott County), there was a report of people surrounded by water and unable to leave their home.
As the night wore on, the Poteau River at Cauthron (Scott County) rose 15 feet in a hurry. The same swollen river swept a pickup truck off of Highway 80 on the east side of Waldron (Scott County). Tragically, the driver (a grandfather trying to visit his grandson) drowned. A traffic camera (provided by the Arkansas Department of Transportation) along Highway 71 south of Boles (Scott County) showed the Fourche La Fave River almost as high as the bridge over the tributary. Eventually, the pavement was inundated and became impassible. As roads turned into lakes, a vehicle stalled at Parks (Scott County), and two individuals were rescued. Similar rescues were ongoing in Yell County, and one person was transported from Corinth to a hospital in Danville (both in Yell County).
Shortly before 1100 pm CST, a tornado (rated EF2) was spawned just to the north of Kirby (Pike County). A few mobile homes were heavily damaged (resulting in three injuries). One mobile home was rolled and obliterated. Miraculously, two of the four occupants only had minor injuries. Several homes suffered roof damage, and two chicken houses were destroyed.
A couple of hours later, thunderstorm winds downed/snapped trees along Highway 229 about four miles north of Carthage (Dallas County). A few minutes before 200 am CST on the 3rd, a brief weak tornado (rated EF0) touched down in open fields east of Altheimer (Jefferson County). The tornado took out some trees along Highway 58.
Elsewhere, a weak tornado (rated EF1) was identified west of Fouke (Miller County). More trees were blown down southwest of Hope (Hempstead County) and northeast of Nashville (Howard County). Wind gusts as high as 70 to 80 mph roughed up barns, outbuildings, and signs between Damascus (Faulkner/Van Buren Counties) and Rose Bud (White County). A recreational vehicle was crushed by a fallen tree at Enola (Faulkner County).
As far as rain, there was a lot of it. Two to more than four inches of rain was common across the northern half of the state in the twenty four hour period ending at 600 am CST on the 3rd. Waldron (Scott County) had 4.90 inches of precipitation, with 4.88 inches at Blue Mountain Dam (Yell County), 4.72 inches at Danville (Yell County), 4.45 inches at Abbott (Scott County), 4.22 inches at Dardanelle (Yell County), 3.87 inches at Booneville (Logan County), 3.70 inches at Mountain View (Stone County), 3.65 inches at Gilbert (Searcy County), 3.57 inches at Calico Rock (Izard County), 3.54 inches at Mena (Polk County), 3.50 inches at Damascus (Van Buren County), 3.47 inches at Marshall (Searcy County) and Morrilton (Conway County), and 3.40 inches at Conway (Faulkner County).
Given so much rain, there was a landslide near the intersection of Highways 103 and 215 west of Oark (Johnson County). Before dawn on the 3rd, the Spring River at Hardy (Sharp County) went up six feet in two hours, was in danger of reaching a level of 14 feet (four feet above the flood stage). As a precaution, folks in homes near the river were asked to evacuate.
The rain on the 2nd/early on the 3rd was in addition to the precipitation that fell on the 1st, especially from central into southeast Arkansas. In this part of the state, two or more inches of liquid was measured in places. This included Cane Creek State Park (Lincoln County), Keo (Lonoke County), Marianna (Lee County), Pine Bluff (Jefferson County), Sheridan (Grant County), and Stuttgart (Arkansas County).
On the 3rd, there was moderate to major flooding on the Petit Jean River, and minor to moderate flooding on the Black, Cache, Fourche La Fave, Little Red, Ouachita, Saline, Spring, and White Rivers. Concerns were growing that river levels could go even higher if a wet pattern continued into early spring.

Hail in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 18:55:00 to 01-MAR-23 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON SALINE CO ARP
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A member of the broadcast media shared a picture of hail 1.5 inches in diameter in Benton.

Hail in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 18:55:00 to 01-MAR-23 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: CROWS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Three quarter inch hail was reported by the public via mPING.

Hail in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 18:56:00 to 01-MAR-23 18:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAUXITE JCT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

This report was sent via mPING.

Hail in ARKANSAS, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 19:55:00 to 01-MAR-23 19:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: STUTTGART
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 20:08:00 to 01-MAR-23 20:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: RISON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A metal outbuilding was destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 20:10:00 to 01-MAR-23 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: RISON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous large trees were blown down southwest of Rison.

Hail in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 20:11:00 to 01-MAR-23 20:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: RISON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A carport was also reported blown over. The report was received through social media.

Hail in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 20:24:00 to 01-MAR-23 20:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOODLAWN
Magnitude: 3.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The report was received through social media.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALHOUN, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 22:07:00 to 01-MAR-23 22:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: THORNTON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Minor roof damage was reported along with trees down along Hwy. 167 south of Thornton.

Thunderstorm Wind in VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 23:05:00 to 02-MAR-23 23:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAMASCUS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Shingles were blown off a house in Damascus. Multiple trees were blown down across northern Faulkner County.

Thunderstorm Wind in FAULKNER, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 23:13:00 to 02-MAR-23 23:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENOLA
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A recreational vehicle was crushed by a fallen tree.

Flash Flood in SCOTT, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 23:40:00 to 03-MAR-23 02:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: PARKS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Two individuals were stranded and removed from a vehicle due to high water near Frost Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind in DALLAS, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 00:41:00 to 03-MAR-23 03:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: COONEY
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees and tree limbs were uprooted and snapped along Hwy. 29 near the Cooney community. Peak wind gusts were estimated around 85 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in DALLAS, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 00:44:00 to 03-MAR-23 00:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: IVY
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees and powerlines were down northeast of Carthage on Hwy. 229.

Flash Flood in SHARP, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 04:22:00 to 03-MAR-23 07:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARDY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous roads in Sharp County were under water.

Heavy Rain in BAXTER, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:32:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAND
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Thunderstorm Wind in CLEVELAND, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 22:19:00 to 01-MAR-23 22:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: RISON
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The NWS storm damage survey revealed 85 mph thunderstorm winds produced damage in a swath across the city of Rison Wednesday evening. The time is radar estimated.

Flash Flood in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 23:05:00 to 02-MAR-23 02:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: BREWSTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A report was received of 34th St. between Main and Chestnut was under water.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 21:06:00 to 02-MAR-23 21:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: NELLA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were reported down across the southern portion of Scott County.

Flash Flood in SCOTT, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 22:23:00 to 03-MAR-23 01:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALDRON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported widespread 7 to 8 inch rainfall amounts across Scott County, the flood storage system was at full capacity, and main bridges across the county were under water.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 22:50:00 to 02-MAR-23 22:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: KIRBY
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager reported 20 or 30 homes in and around Kirby damaged or destroyed. Several chicken houses were also destroyed and numerous trees were blown down.

Flash Flood in YELL, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 22:51:00 to 03-MAR-23 01:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: DANVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Street flooding was reported in Danville. Park Ave. was closed among other roads.

Hail in PRAIRIE, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 19:53:00 to 01-MAR-23 19:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAIRMOUNT
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Tornado in PIKE, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 22:50:00 to 02-MAR-23 22:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: KIRBY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started just north of Kirby, completely destroying
two chicken houses on the west side of Arkansas Highway 27. The tornado
moved north-northeast along highway 27, causing moderate roof
damage to a home, and snapping several large trees at their
trunks. The tornado continued to move north-northeast,
paralleling Ebenezer Road where it did the most significant
damage. Several tree lines along the road had snapped trunks. A
mobile home on Ebenezer Road, which had securing tie-down straps,
was completely lofted, rolled, and tossed approximately 100 feet
into a tree line, completely destroying it. There were
4 occupants, two only had minor injuries. Farther east on
Ebenezer road, the tornado damaged a few more mobile homes. The
first one was shifted off of it's supporting blocks, and some
roof and siding damage was observed. There were three minor
injuries noted among the occupants, and were transported to a
local hospital. In the neighboring lot to the east, a large oak
tree was uprooted onto a brand new mobile home, smashing the
structure in the middle, twisting the supporting frame, snapping
two of the tie-down straps, and effectively destroying the unit.
There were no occupants at the time of the tornado. The tornado
continued moving northeast of Ebenezer road, snapping several
trees and power poles along the road. Damage was observed along
Mason Road, with numerous large trees uprooted and snapped. A few
large trees were blown onto a home on Mason Road, but only minor
damage was observed on the home. The tornado dissipated shortly
thereafter. This tornado was rated an EF2 with estimated peak winds
of 135 mph.

Hail in MONTGOMERY, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 17:47:00 to 01-MAR-23 17:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIMOSA
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer sent pictures of hail of at least half-dollar size hail to the office.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 10:07:00 to 03-MAR-23 10:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINE RIDGE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.05 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in SALINE, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 10:09:00 to 03-MAR-23 10:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALUM FORK
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.83 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in NEWTON, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 10:33:00 to 03-MAR-23 10:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: COMPTON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported 2.07 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in WOODRUFF, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:41:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUGUSTA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer reported 3.12 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in JACKSON, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:44:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWPORT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.90 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in SHARP, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:45:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: EVENING SHADE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.43 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in SHARP, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:53:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHEROKEE VLG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.97 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in CLEBURNE, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:54:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEBER SPGS MUNI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.51 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in NEWTON, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:55:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: JASPER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 3.00 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in GARLAND, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:56:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLUE SPGS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.34 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in BAXTER, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:59:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: RODNEY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 2.72 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in SEARCY, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 10:00:00 to 03-MAR-23 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: JAMESON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 3.47 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in BAXTER, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 10:01:00 to 03-MAR-23 10:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOUNTAIN HOME
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 3.27 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in STONE, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 10:02:00 to 03-MAR-23 10:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOUNTAIN VIEW ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 3.70 inches of rain.

Thunderstorm Wind in VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 23:05:00 to 02-MAR-23 23:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: DAMASCUS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Peak winds were estimated to be between 70 and 80 mph. Damage
occurred along and parallel to US 65 S, along Gravesville Cutoff
Road between Highway 124 and Black Hill Road, and portions of Black
Hill Road east of Gravesville Cutoff Road. Along the damage path,
softwood trees were uprooted and snapped with several small
outbuildings either completely destroyed or missing significant
portions of the roof. Roofing material was scattered downstream
into a field in the direction of storm movement. The swath of wind
damage was estimated at 1000 yards wide and 3.2 miles in length
with maximum winds of 80 mph.

Tornado in DALLAS, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 00:43:00 to 03-MAR-23 00:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: TULIP
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started west-northwest of Carthage along Tram Trail, moving northeast towards Sanders Loop, breaking limbs off or pushing over small pine trees. As the tornado moved over Williams Road, it strengthened briefly, knocking over larger pine trees before lifting west of the intersection of Williams Road and Dallas County Road 411. This tornado was rated an EF0 with estimated maximum winds of 85 mph.

Heavy Rain in VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:51:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOUTHSIDE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 3.50 inches of rain.

Heavy Rain in SEARCY, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 09:00:00 to 03-MAR-23 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WITTS SPGS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP observer reported 3.30 inches of rain.

Flash Flood in SCOTT, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 21:06:00 to 03-MAR-23 00:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOLES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous roads have been flooded throughout Scott County. However, in Boles there was a report that some people were isolated in their home due to rising flood waters. A man was found drowned the next day when flood waters began to recede, so the timing of death is uncertain. His age is unknown, but he was likely an older adult as he was described as a grandfather. He likely drove into floodwaters and got washed off the road sometime between the night of the 2nd and the morning of the 3rd.

Tornado in JEFFERSON, ARKANSAS
From 03-MAR-23 01:57:00 to 03-MAR-23 01:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: FIVE FORKS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado mostly occurred over open fields, but there was
tree damage along Highway 58 east of Altheimer. This tornado
was rated an EF0 with estimated peak winds of 75 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in FAULKNER, ARKANSAS
From 02-MAR-23 23:18:00 to 02-MAR-23 23:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENDERS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Peak winds were estimated to be between 70 and 80 mph. A couple of
trees were downed, and tin was removed from the windward side of a
house near the summit of Bluff Mountain. Additionally, a large barn
lost its entire roof. This damage occurred to the west of Rose Bud
along Highway 36 on Bluff Mountain. The swath of wind damage was
estimated to be 250 yards wide, six tenths of a mile in length, and
maximum winds of 80 mph.

Hail in GARLAND, ARKANSAS
From 01-MAR-23 18:30:00 to 01-MAR-23 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOT SPGS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

An amateur radio operator reported 1 inch hail on Cedar Glades Rd. on the northwest side of Hot Springs.