Tornadoes strike Oklahoma, Arkansas and Nebraska, damage reported in Greenland and Pittsburg
Over a dozen tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska on Monday, May 19, 2025, destroying multiple homes and leaving over 100 000 customers without power as it downed trees and power lines in the affected areas.
Tornado damage in Greenland, Arkansas on May 19, 2025. Credit: Washington County Sheriffs Office
Tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska on Monday, May 19, with damage reports coming in from parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tulsa confirmed 13 tornadoes occurred in their jurisdiction, which includes parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, on Monday. At least 8 tornadoes passed through parts of Oklahoma and 5 through Arkansas, according to the NWS.
Meanwhile, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has thus far received only five confirmed tornado reports on Monday from Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Over 100 000 customers were without power across Oklahoma, and Arkansas late Monday. Residents in parts of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas were advised to seek shelter on Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
In Oklahoma, tornadoes were reported in McAlester, Stilwell, Gowen, Bunch, Gore, Wardville, and the communities of Haileyville and Hartshorne.
Radar observations showed that a tornado touched down in southern Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, near Blanco at around 18:54 local time (LT) on Monday, while another tornado reportedly touched down at 20:08 LT near Fairfield.
Search and rescue operations began in the Pittsburg area after the storms passed through, causing widespread damage, destroying homes, and uprooting trees in the eastern parts of the town.
In Arkansas, tornadoes were reported in Fayetteville, Prairie Grove, Lincoln, Shady Point, and Greenland. Widespread damage was reported in all the areas, including Greenland, where multiple structures were either destroyed or damaged as the tornado downed multiple trees and power lines.
Some reports indicate that two tornadoes may have touched down in Greenland, but this is yet to be confirmed.
While no injuries or fatalities have been reported due to the event, the exact number of tornadoes and a full assessment of the aftermath are yet to be completed, and details may change as more data becomes available.
This comes just three days after a major tornado outbreak claimed over two dozen lives in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia on Friday, May 16.
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Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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