Tornado Injures Dozens, Destroys Buildings in Arkansas

A tornado ripped through Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Saturday, March 28, injuring at least 22 people and causing significant damage to homes, vehicles, stores, and the municipal airport, authorities said.

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that a tornado had passed through northeast Arkansas on Saturday afternoon. Videos captured the tornado sweeping through the area.

Jonesboro Fire Chief Kevin Miller said on Sunday morning that the department had concluded search and rescue efforts and were focused on recovery work. At least 22 people sustained injuries, emergency officials said in a press conference,.

This video shows the extensive damage to a strip mall in Jonesboro. The nearby Mall at Turtle Creek also sustained significant damage, police said. Emergency responders, sheriffs, and state police created a command post at the mall, requesting that Jonesboro residents stay home.

A 7 pm citywide curfew was issued Saturday night as the National Guard was called in to secure the area, local media reported. Credit: Chris Hudgison via Storyful