Tornadoes strike Washington County: What we know and what's coming next

Two tornadoes swept through Washington County late Tuesday night after forming in Oklahoma. The first one began near Christie, Oklahoma, at 11:46 p. m. before crossing into Arkansas near Cincinnati. The second started near Baron, Oklahoma, around 11:54 p. m. and reached Lincoln in Arkansas. Both storms caused scattered damage—trees were knocked down and some outbuildings were hit—though luckily no injuries were reported. The region experienced minor damage from Tuesday’s storm. Power lines came down in places, and one tree landed on a house in Springdale. So far, officials haven’t given storm strength ratings, and crews are still analyzing the damage. This uncertainty shows how tough tornado assessments can be, especially when multiple storms hit close together.More severe weather could roll in Friday night. The National Weather Service expects storms to develop as early as 7 p. m. , with the highest chance between 8 p. m. and 2 a. m. The possible threats include large hail, strong winds, and even more tornadoes. Washington County is currently at a slight risk level, while nearby areas like northern Oklahoma and southern Missouri face a higher enhanced risk. Rain is also expected Friday, with totals ranging from half an inch to 1 inch. While the rain might not sound extreme, history shows that tornadic activity in the Ozarks often peaks in the evening. The timing of this storm system suggests people should stay alert, not just for wind and hail, but for the chance of dangerous nighttime tornadoes.