Tornado, Severe Storms Leave Damage Across Ozark
COMMUNITY COVERAGE
City crews, emergency responders and volunteers spent Monday assessing damage and assisting residents after a tornado and severe thunderstorms moved through Ozark during the early morning hours of June 22.
Ozark Mayor Roxie Hall reported widespread damage across the city, including downed trees, fallen power lines and damage to homes and other structures. City crews began clearing roads shortly after the storm passed, while utility crews worked to restore power to affected areas.
Hall said the city was fortunate there were no immediate reports of fatalities despite the extent of the damage.
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado was observed and radar-confirmed near Ozark as a line of severe thunderstorms moved through western Arkansas before sunrise. The storm produced damaging winds, heavy rainfall and localized flooding concerns as it tracked eastward.
Residents reported numerous uprooted trees, blocked roads and damage to roofs, sheds and other buildings. Several areas of the city experienced power outages as the storm moved through.
To assist residents affected by the storm, the American Red Cross and the Ozark Lions Club Disaster Recovery Team established operations at the Ozark Community Center, where supplies were being distributed to those in need Monday. Volunteers worked throughout the day to provide water, basic necessities and other assistance to impacted families.
Hall thanked city employees, police officers, firefighters, utility workers, volunteers and community organizations for their response efforts.
Hall also instructed residents living within the Ozark city limits to place storm debris and tree limbs along the roadside. The city plans to begin collecting limbs and storm debris later this week as cleanup operations continue.
Residents were urged to use caution while traveling, avoid downed power lines and stay clear of areas where cleanup crews are working.
The National Weather Service is expected to conduct storm surveys to determine whether the damage was caused by a tornado and, if so, assign an official rating.
Cleanup efforts continued throughout Monday as residents, volunteers and city crews worked to clear debris and restore normal conditions across the community.
—–
Published In This Week’s Edition
This story appears in the June 17, 2026, edition of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.
Support Community Journalism
The Graphic shares the stories of the people, places and traditions that make Johnson and Franklin counties unique. From local businesses and community events to student achievements and hometown history, your subscription helps us continue telling the stories that connect our communities.
Become a Subscriber or Donate Today
STORM DAMAGE IN OZARK — A large tree lies across a fence at a residence near North 26th Street in Ozark following severe storms and a reported tornado that moved through the area during the early morning hours of June 22. City crews, utility workers and residents spent Monday clearing debris and assessing damage throughout the community.
–Photo courtesy Madison Hancock
