Craighead County in northeast Arkansas including Jonesboro sits in one of the highest tornado frequency zones in the state. The March 2023 outbreak produced devastating tornadoes that struck the county. Its location in the Arkansas Delta flatlands provides no terrain barriers to severe weather. The region experiences some of the highest tornado touchdowns per square mile in Arkansas.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
- Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
- Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
- Prepare for sudden power outages.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 7 / 10 High Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Severe Storm |
| Secondary Hazard | Flash Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (High Tornado Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 38 |
| Last Major Event | Tornado (March 2023) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 3–5 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (870) 933-4560 |
| Emergency Shelters | 14 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-555 South, US-49 North, US-63 South, AR-1 North |
// County Profile
| County | Craighead County AR |
| State | Arkansas (AR) |
| Population | 113,181 |
| Area | 711 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (High Tornado Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Arkansas Counties
Hempstead County AR
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
6/10
Moderate
Bradley County AR
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
6/10
Moderate
Lincoln County AR
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
6/10
Moderate
Crittenden County AR
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
6/10
Moderate
Ouachita County AR
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
6/10
Moderate
Pulaski County AR
Tornado / Severe Storm
6/10
Moderate