EF-1 tornado strikes Van Buren, Arkansas, causing damage and one injury

An EF-1 tornado touched down in Van Buren, Arkansas, on June 6, 2025. The brief but intense storm caused significant structural damage and one injury.

The tornado touched down at 07:46 local time (LT) on June 6 near South 4^th Street and Wood Street in southeast Van Buren, Arkansas. With peak winds estimated between 155 and 170 km/h (95–105 mph), the twister tracked northeast for 1.3 km (0.8 miles), reaching a maximum width of 105 m (345 feet). The storm dissipated by 07:47 LT after impacting multiple neighborhoods.

Significant damage was reported to two homes, where tornado winds caused windowed walls to collapse, resulting in over-pressurization. One home lost its entire roof, while the other sustained major roof damage.

The tornado tracked northeast, crossing Ozier Street, Mulberry Street, and South 19th Street, resulting in impacts to multiple residential structures. The storm’s path also passed in close proximity to the Baptist Health-Van Buren medical complex, a critical community facility.

One injury was reported during the early morning event.

The tornado was part of a broader severe weather system, with a second tornado forming one to two minutes later east of Van Buren. Survey teams are investigating potential additional tornado activity near the Port of Van Buren. The National Weather Service noted that findings remain preliminary, pending final review.

The event follows a major tornado outbreak in Arkansas from March 14–15, which included 14 tornadoes, among them EF-2, EF-3, and EF-4 events. An EF-4 tornado near Fifty-Six in Stone County marked the longest-tracked tornado in Arkansas since 2008.

Featured image: Tornado damage in Van Buren, Arkansas, June 6, 2025. Credit: Joshua Mannion

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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