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.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.