Tornado Hits Harrisburg Amid Severe Weather Alerts

HARRISBURG, Ark. — A tornado was spotted near Harrisburg, Arkansas, on Sunday, March 31, 2025, as severe storms battered the state, causing considerable concern among residents.

Social media videos captured the twister making its way toward Stewart and the Anderson Tully area in Poinsett County. The National Weather Service had already issued a warning for significant hazardous weather in the region.

As severe weather swept through several states, including parts of Oklahoma and Tennessee, meteorological reports indicated the possibility of extensive damage. Notably, some areas experienced golf ball-sized hail that inflicted damage to homes and vehicles.

Power outages were widespread, with over 350,000 customers affected in Michigan alone, according to PowerOutage.us. Forecasts show severe storms continuing into the night with potential tornado activity expected in cities across the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys, including Nashville, Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

“The line of storms is advancing eastward overnight, presenting a threat to several major urban areas by Monday morning,” said Sara Tonks, a digital meteorologist at weather.com. “Overnight tornado warnings remain possible, particularly for residents in affected areas to stay alert.”

In response to the unusual storm patterns, the National Weather Service in Memphis declared a High Risk (5/5) for severe weather in parts of the Mid-South. This designation indicates the potential for severe, life-threatening conditions, including long-lived tornadoes that could impact regions such as northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel.

“This isn’t routine. This is a rare, high-impact, and potentially devastating event,” warned the National Weather Service. “Heavy rainfall is anticipated, leading to flash flooding and river flooding in various areas, especially north of I-40.”

The agency’s ongoing advisories included a Wind Advisory and Flood Watch effective through the weekend, predicting a significant rise in water levels with dangerous conditions for local communities.

Immediate preparations are being encouraged among residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Locals have been advised to prepare for potential disruptions and to remain vigilant of announcements from weather services.