Tornado Touches Down in Arkansas, Leaves Damage and Hospitalizations

Tornado touches down in Van Buren

Two people hospitalized with minor injuries

30 housing units damaged in Van Buren

A likely tornado touched down in Van Buren, Arkansas, on Friday morning, causing significant damage throughout the area.

Local authorities confirmed that at least two individuals were hospitalized with minor injuries as a result of the weather event.

According to the Van Buren Housing Authority, 30 out of 200 residential units in the area were affected, forcing residents to evacuate and seek temporary shelter.

Initial footage and photos show widespread destruction in multiple neighborhoods.

Likely Tornado Hits Van Buren

Lot of damage in Van Buren from one of this morning’s tornadoes. 40/29 Brett Rains got these pics from near Baptist Health Hospital. pic.twitter.com/ytdvBrGrGv
— Darby Bybee (@4029Darby), June 6, 2025

Strategic Realty and Fort Smith Housing are working together to provide emergency housing for displaced residents.

Additionally, Section 8 has started issuing emergency vouchers to families who lost their homes in the disaster.

RELATED: 2025 Hurricane Season: How to Prepare Before It’s Too Late

These emergency efforts are critical in delivering immediate support to the affected community.

The National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings for northeastern Oklahoma and the river valley Friday morning, although those warnings have now expired.

Damage and Displacement in Van Buren

We are in Van Buren where a tornado caused significant damage for some. This is at the corner of Ozier Circle and South 19th Street. More on the aftermath here: https://t.co/acjwpqjhdf pic.twitter.com/wfhrqpljvr
— Chip Scarborough (@4029Chip), June 6, 2025

Despite the temporary calm, Fox Weather reports that conditions are expected to remain unstable.

Meteorologists warn about the potential for thunderstorms to form in the afternoons and evenings due to lingering atmospheric energy.

“It’s like all of the action has been concentrated along the I-40 corridor,” said Britta Merwin, meteorologist for FOX Weather, referring to the weeklong storm activity focused on that region.

Authorities continue monitoring the situation as Van Buren residents begin recovering from the unexpected natural disaster.

What to Expect Next

Forecasters warn that the storm threat will move eastward through the weekend, and surrounding areas remain under watch.

This event highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather and the need to stay informed when weather alerts are issued.