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A powerful line of thunder storms moved into Lawrence County around 7 pm on Sunday evening. The Lawrence County Dispatch alerted fire departments across the county of this severe line of storms. First reports were in the Smithville and Lynn areas where firefighters described “softball†size hail causing damage to homes and vehicles in the area.
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As the line of storms moved through the area, reports of damage including power lines down on vehicles and at least one home in the Lynn area. Firefighters from Lynn checked on residents and responded to downed lines on Lawrence 316 as well.
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The Walnut Ridge Fire Department responded to numerous calls of trees down and damage in the area. Walnut Ridge sent several trucks and firefighters out to close of streets and check damage in the area. Reports of downed lines around the Walnut Ridge area including a report of damage at the Walnut Ridge Airport.
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As the first line of storms moved through the county, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were updated by the Lawrence County Dispatch of possible 60 to 80 mph winds in the Smithville and Annieville areas.
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By 8:40 pm, Dispatch notified officers and emergency personnel were told the storms had moved out of the area and we were left only heavy rain in the area.
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Lawrence County Deputies checked back roads for debris, worked a two vehicle accident at McLeod’s Grocery with no injuries during the storms.
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Lawrence County Deputies also reported damage to power lines on Hwy 91 just outside Walnut Ridge, causing them to close the road until the power company could fix the damage. The Lawrence County Dispatch experienced a power outage and phone outage during the storms.
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Reports also surfaced of a possible tornado in the Egypt area around the Lawrence County line. Power outages were also reported in the Alicia area by local firefighters.
