Remembering the Deadly Fort Smith & Van Buren Tornado, 30 Years Later

The 1996 tornado killed 4 people and caused millions in damage across Arkansas.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive, swirling tornado dominating the scene, with the storm's scale and energy dwarfing any physical structures or objects caught within it.The 1996 Fort Smith and Van Buren tornado remains a sobering reminder of the raw power and unpredictability of extreme weather events in the region.Fort Smith Today

On April 21, 1996, an F3 tornado with winds up to 200 mph tore through Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas, killing 2 children and 2 others, injuring over 40 people, and destroying nearly 1,800 homes. The tornado left behind millions in damage and debris, with the National Weather Service reporting a 7-mile path of destruction. 30 years later, survivors, law enforcement, and local journalists are reflecting on the impact of that deadly night.

Why it matters

The 1996 Fort Smith and Van Buren tornado remains one of the most destructive and deadly weather events in Arkansas history. The storm exposed vulnerabilities in the region's emergency warning systems and highlighted the need for improved tornado preparedness and response. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, this anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the devastating toll natural disasters can take on communities.

The details

The tornado struck Fort Smith at 11:12 pm on April 21, 1996, before moving into the neighboring city of Van Buren. The half-mile wide twister knocked down telephone lines that would have alerted emergency workers to sound the sirens. In addition to the 2 children killed in Fort Smith and Van Buren, 2 more people were killed by the same supercell storm system in Madison County. The tornado destroyed nearly 1,800 homes in Van Buren and caused millions in damage across a 7-mile path. Three days after the tornado, the historic Eads Brothers Furniture building in Fort Smith was destroyed in a massive fire.

  • The tornado struck Fort Smith at 11:12 pm on April 21, 1996.
  • The tornado then moved into the neighboring city of Van Buren.
  • Two children were killed in the storm's wake in Fort Smith and Van Buren.
  • Two more people were killed by the same supercell storm system in Madison County.
  • Three days after the tornado, the Eads Brothers Furniture building in Fort Smith was destroyed in a fire.

The players

Tim Hutchinson

Then-U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district, who called the tornado "the worst, at least in money terms, tornado that ever hit Arkansas" in 1996.

Daren Bobb

5NEWS anchor hosting the 30th anniversary special on the tornado.

Jo Ellison

5NEWS anchor hosting the 30th anniversary special on the tornado.

Skot Covert

5NEWS chief meteorologist hosting the 30th anniversary special on the tornado.

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What they’re saying

“The likelihood is that this is the worst, at least in money terms, tornado that ever hit Arkansas. It's pretty bad.”

— Tim Hutchinson, Then-U.S. Representative

What’s next

The 30th anniversary special 'Sunday's Fury: 30 Years Later' hosted by 5NEWS anchors Daren Bobb and Jo Ellison, and chief meteorologist Skot Covert, will air on April 21, 2026 to reflect on the impact of the deadly 1996 tornado.

The takeaway

The 1996 Fort Smith and Van Buren tornado remains one of the most devastating weather events in Arkansas history, exposing vulnerabilities in the region's emergency warning systems and highlighting the need for improved tornado preparedness. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, this tragic anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the toll natural disasters can take on communities, and the importance of being proactive in disaster response and recovery efforts.