How Likely Is a Tornado in Clark County, AR?
How likely is a tornado in Clark County, AR?
Clark County has recorded 36 tornado touches in NOAA's 76-year database, a rate of roughly one every 2.1 years - our Elevated band. Put another way: Clark County sees more tornado activity than 76% of US counties. Among 75 Arkansas counties in this dataset, Clark County ranks 26 for how often a tornado touches down.
Beyond the frequency band: violent history
1 tornado touching Clark County reached violent (EF4-5) strength since 1950. That single fact carries more weight for the shelter decision than the county's overall frequency band.
The dollar figure Clark County's rating leads to
Cost nationally: $2,890-$13,280, about $7,645 typical. Arkansas has no state rebate program confirmed here; FEMA's underlying 75% cost-share exists nationwide, but applying through a state program is what usually makes it real, and none was found for Arkansas this pass.
What a direct hit isn't required for
Power loss after a tornado outbreak in Arkansas often reaches homes the storm itself never touched. A battery-backup unit covers the outage without the fuel and venting a generator needs.
What this number is, and is not
One caveat before relying on Clark County's number: it is county-wide, and it covers about 866 square miles, so a single touch counts the same as one in a county a fraction of that size. Weaker pre-1990s tornadoes are also documented as undercounted in NOAA's own record. Clark County has about 20,920 residents.