Tornadoes in Arkansas: Be Ready with EcoFlow Portable Power Solutions

Arkansas experiences frequent tornadoes, with peak season running from March to May. However, tornadoes can occur year-round, especially in Eastern Arkansas, where a second season happens in late fall and winter. Staying informed, knowing how to prepare, and responding quickly is crucial for safety. This guide covers everything from recognizing warning signs and staying updated on weather alerts to making an emergency kit ensuring you and your family remain safe and connected during severe storms. Now, let’s get prepared.

When Is Tornado Season in Arkansas?

March through May is considered the peak tornado season in the Natural State, with nearly 70% of all tornadoes occurring during those months. However, tornadoes vary regionally and can occur in any month of the year. During a La Niña year, the severe weather season may start as early as January.

When is Tornado Season in Eastern Arkansas

Eastern Arkansas is near the heart of “Dixie Alley,” which experiences a higher frequency of tornadoes during the peak spring season from March to May, with a second milder season in late fall and winter. 

How To Stay Updated on Arkansas Tornado Warnings

1. Listen to your local commercial radio or local television news.
2. Check for alerts and updates on the National Weather Service. 
3. Listen for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone.
4. Tune into NOAA Weather Radio (requires a special receiver).
5. Find out if your community has a tornado siren and what it sounds like.
6. Check for Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts.
7. Install a weather app on your phone. 
8. Have an EcoFlow Portable Power Station to stay updated when the power goes out. 

How To Prepare for a Tornado in Arkansas

Preparing for tornadoes in Arkansas is similar to preparing for a hurricane. You need emergency supplies, plans, and safe locations. Let’s take a look:

Sign Up For Emergency Alerts

If you have one, sign up for your local community alert system or use the National Weather Service or a weather app. If your community has a tornado siren, know what it sounds like. You typically only have 10 minutes after a warning is issued, so early warning is essential. Have an EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank to keep your phone topped up and stay connected and informed. It’s about the size of your phone, so it’s easy to fit in your pocket. 

Identify Safe Rooms or Shelters

Next, identify the nearest safe room or storm shelter according to FEMA standards. Don’t just locate one at home; also, know where to find a safe refuge at work, school, the mall, or other areas where you spend a lot of time. Since you only have minutes after a warning is issued, you will not have time to drive to find one, so hunker down where you are instead.   

Stay Alert And Watch For Warning Signs

Tornadoes happen suddenly, sometimes without warning, so understanding the signs of a developing tornado could save your life. If you see the following signs, don’t wait for a warning; seek shelter immediately:

• Dark skies, often with a greenish hue
• A loud roaring sound like a freight train
• Dark, low, rotating clouds
• A funnel-shaped cloud protruding below the cloud layer
• Approaching debris clouds

Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in a waterproof bin in your safe room, storm shelter, or near the door if you need to leave in a hurry. Whether preparing for emergencies in cities or out in the country, your kit should include the following:

• 1 gallon of water per day per person for 3 days
• Non-perishable food to last 3 days
• Food and water for your pets for 3 days
• Complete first aid kit
• Any necessary prescription drugs
• Dust masks
• Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
• Emergency whistle
• Rechargeable LED flashlights
• Can opener, eating utensils
• Multi-tool and duct tape
• Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
• Fire extinguisher
• A portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus to keep your flashlights and devices charged

Prepare a Family Communication Plan

Your emergency kit is only part of planning for emergencies. You also need an emergency communication plan, including who to contact in an emergency, how to contact them, and what to do whether they’re at home, work, or school. You also need to plan if family members are not home and arrange a backup meeting place in case your house is unsafe. Practice your plan with your entire family at least once yearly so everyone knows what to do. They should also be educated about the location and contents of the emergency kit, which is also the perfect time to refresh your water, food, and medical supplies. 

Use an Emergency Power Supply

Power outages are often widespread after severe storms and could last a few hours to several days. Therefore, having an emergency power supply at home is crucial to keep essential appliances like your refrigerator, computers, or medical equipment running. Your power supply should be able to run all your essential appliances. For instance, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 has a 4000W output and can power 120V and 240V appliances. It’s also expandable with extra batteries, so it can be used as a whole home generator. 

Solar generators are best for storms since they use no fossil fuels, emit no toxic fumes, and will not cause carbon monoxide poisoning, making them safe for indoor use. The EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators come in various capacities to suit everyone’s needs. Since they come with solar panels, you can easily recharge your power station during an extended blackout. If you already have rooftop solar panels, take steps to prevent storm damage, including inspecting all the components to ensure they are securely mounted and sealed. If you use portable solar panels, wait until the storm has passed before setting them up. 

What To Do When a Tornado Hits Arkansas

1. When you hear a warning or see the signs of an approaching tornado, immediately head to your nearest safe room or storm shelter. 
2. Do not get in your car and drive. 
3. If you are in a high-rise or other building with no safe room or shelter, head to the lowest floor and find the most interior location, putting as many interior walls between you and the outside as possible. 
4. Stay away from all doors, windows, glass, and mirrors.
5. If available, climb into an interior closet or under a sturdy desk or table. 
6. If you’re outdoors or in your car, head to the nearest sturdy building and get inside. If no sturdy building is available, find the lowest point in the landscape, like a ravine or ditch, and climb into it.
7. Get down low and cover your head and neck with your arms. 
8. Stay tuned to emergency alerts for essential updates.
9. Do not yell for help if you are trapped to avoid inhaling too much dust. Use an emergency whistle or bang on pipes or other objects that make a lot of noise. 
10. Don’t leave unless it is a critical medical emergency. Road hazards and unsafe buildings may collapse after the fact, and you need to keep roads clear for emergency responders. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Tornadoes in Arkansas are unpredictable but inevitable, making emergency preparedness essential. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed through weather alerts, having an emergency kit and family communication plan, and identifying safe shelters close to all the areas you frequent the most. Power outages often follow severe storms, so investing in a safe and reliable backup like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 ensures you have power when you need it most. With the right precautions and the right tools, you can face tornado season with confidence. Stay prepared and stay safe.