March Winds Wreak Havoc in Arkansas’ Ouachita National Forest

There’s an old saying about March winds: “If March comes in like a lion, it’ll go out like a lamb. If it comes in like a lamb, it’ll go out like a lion.” Well, here in Arkansas, March 9th, 2019 proved the first part of that proverb true in a big way.

The wind howled like a banshee, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph according to the local news. It felt for all the world like a tornado was ripping through the Ouachita National Forest, where I took the photo you see below.

Steve Creek Next to Uprooted Tree
Steve Creek standing next to an uprooted tree here in Arkansas.

The combination of all that rain we’d had through the winter and the fierce winds was a recipe for disaster for some trees. Their already saturated root systems just couldn’t hold on in the face of such a powerful force.

See how that massive root ball seems to be from two separate trees? I’m pretty sure they’re both oaks, judging by the size and shape of the leaves still clinging on. It’s easy to imagine them standing side-by-side, their roots intertwined over the years, sharing the cool water of the little stream that used to flow beneath them.

Now, all that’s left is a testament to the power of nature and a reminder that March truly can come in like a lion. Here’s hoping it goes out like a lamb, though, maybe with some sunshine and gentle breezes to help clean up the mess and usher in spring properly!