March 9, 2019, was a wild day in the Ouachita National Forest—and a perfect example of the old saying: “If March comes in like a lion, it’ll go out like a lamb.” This year, March definitely came in roaring.
Severe March Winds in Arkansas Devastate Ouachita National Forest
That Saturday, powerful winds swept across Arkansas, with gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour, according to local reports. Standing out in the forest, it felt like a tornado was ripping through the trees. The howling wind echoed through the hills, shaking the very ground beneath my feet.
Heavy Rain and High Winds Cause Tree Uprooting in Arkansas Woodlands
Weeks of steady winter rain had already saturated the soil. The combination of waterlogged ground and intense wind turned deadly for many trees. Roots weakened by oversaturation simply couldn’t hold, and trees toppled like dominoes.
I came across the massive root ball you see in the photo below—evidence of just how powerful that storm was.
Intertwined Oak Trees Fall During Arkansas Storm
Looking closely at the root ball, it seems like it belonged to two oak trees, likely intertwined for decades. Judging by the leaves still clinging to the branches, they were probably red or white oaks. They’d once stood side by side, their roots sharing nutrients from the small stream that once flowed beneath them.
Now, both trees lie on the forest floor—an awe-inspiring reminder of how quickly nature can shift from calm to chaotic.
Looking Ahead to Gentler Days
This dramatic scene in the Ouachita National Forest is a stark reminder that March weather in Arkansas can be unpredictable and wild. Here’s hoping the rest of the month brings gentler breezes, a little sunshine, and the calm promise of spring.