On January 21, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a High risk of severe weather across much of central and eastern Arkansas, southwestern Tennessee, northeastern Louisiana, and much of northern and western Mississippi.

[1] The meteorological setup unfolded as a broad upper-level trough, with its axis across the Central United States, rapidly amplified in conjunction with a 175 mph (282 km/h) jet streak across the southern Rockies.

Substantial height falls—implying cooling in the mid layers of the atmosphere—coupled with the sharpening trough allowed for strong divergence to overspread the highest risk area.

A dry line extended southward across eastern Texas, providing increased mechanisms for rising air as it combined with a cold front and pushed eastward into Arkansas.

[1] A capping inversion, qualified by cold and dry air aloft, initially prevented the formation of thunderstorms and instead allowed substantial surface heating.

[3] With continually strengthening wind fields, the capping inversion steadily weakened,[4] and several tornadic supercells formed across Arkansas.

In addition to the tornado outbreak, steep 850–500mb lapse rates, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 c/km,[4] contributed to a favorable environment for gigantic hail and widespread damaging winds.

[6] It crossed into Pulaski County at 6:33 pm, where moderate roof damage was reported to several buildings along the Interstate 30 corridor.