Local News
Major damage reported after large tornado touched down in Lake City, Arkansas
A powerful wedge tornado struck Lake City, Arkansas, causing significant damage as it moved through the area.
The tornado, which was described as large and violent, was captured on video.
Meteorologists estimate that the storm may have reached EF3 or higher intensity based on early assessments.
The Lake City tornado was part of a broader, large-scale tornado outbreak affecting the Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi River Valleys.
Video of a strong tornado in Lake City Arkansas this evening. VIOLENT TORNADO NEAR LAKE CITY, ARKANSAS.
This tornado has moved into the Missouri bootheel and is no longer a threat.
Remain weather aware!https://t.co/OM2o2IYUtA pic.twitter.com/v46h2Cq2vY— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) April 3, 2025
As storms intensified throughout the evening, multiple tornadoes were reported across Arkansas and Illinois, with the system continuing to track eastward toward neighboring states, including Kentucky.
At the peak of the outbreak, 25 active tornado warnings were in effect from Louisiana to Indiana.
Meteorologists and storm chasers have described the situation as extremely dangerous, urging residents to stay vigilant and monitor emergency updates.
Authorities have confirmed significant damage in and around Lake City, though a full assessment is still underway.
As a result of the destruction, Highway 18 west of Lake City to Monette has been shut down, and officials are advising the public to avoid the area.
Images shared by storm chasers, including Connor Croff, depict widespread devastation, with reports of homes and infrastructure severely impacted.
Emergency crews are responding to affected areas, and local officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
As the storm moves into the Missouri Bootheel, it is no longer considered a threat to Lake City.
However, forecasters are urging residents in the path of these storms to remain weather-aware as the outbreak continues.
Authorities are urging residents in affected regions to take all tornado warnings seriously and seek shelter immediately if conditions worsen.
This remains an ongoing severe weather event with the potential for further destructive tornadoes as storms continue to track eastward.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating storm.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coronerโs Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coronerโs Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguezโs death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguezโs death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.