The Arkansas State University campus was placed under a tornado warning on March 6 from 4:00–4:30 p.m. This is the second tornado warning in the last two weeks, with the first one occurring on Feb. 22 from 5:14-5:30 a.m. 

While both systems did not cause any damage to campus itself, the more recent storm damaged the Evening Shade area. Trees, barns and sheds were knocked over and 2,500 were without power, according to Entergy Arkansas. However, there were no reports of serious damage or injuries. 

The Feb. storm caused downed trees and power lines. In Craighead County, there were several tree limbs down on County Road 406, but there was little structural damage and no reported injuries. 

“(It) is probably the most (storms) I’ve ever had in my lifetime… and I’ve been here literally all my life. It’s definitely something I’ve been concerned about,” said Aaron Dent, a senior economics major from Jonesboro.

In addition to thunderstorms and tornadoes, Jonesboro was affected by severe winter weather. Campus closed at 1 p.m. on Feb. 23 and classes were called off on Feb. 24-25 due to significant icing of roads and walkways. This occurred the same week as the 5 a.m. tornado.

Acansa Dining Hall moved into brunch hours and there were limited Flex options open. Food delivery to campus was shut down due to ice. 

“We’ve been getting out of class a lot because of the ice storms, so that’s been pretty weird. I’ve lost a lot of sleep, but that’s really about it,” said Zane Massey, a freshman music education major from Pine Bluff. 

There is currently a 90% chance of winter weather on Friday, March 11, according to the Weather Channel. The day will start out sunny before moving to clouded skies then snow. Region 8 News said not to expect any snow to stay long due to clear skies over the weekend. It is currently unknown how A-State will respond to this weather. 

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