As it turned out, we did indeed have tornadoes confirmed here in northeastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas the night of January 7th. The National Weather Service surveyed the damage and has determined that although most of the severe weather reports were due to thunderstorm winds, large hail and flash flooding, six tornadoes touched down that night. Here are where they touched down, their strength and damage:

1. 8:05 p.m. - 2 miles south of Hiwasse, Benton County, AR. EFO brief touchdown.
2. 8:08 p.m. - 4 miles southwest of Watts, Adair County, OK. EFO brief touchdown.
3. 8:50 p.m. - 4 miles east of Centerton, Benton County, AR. EFO brief touchdown.
4. 10:28 p.m. - 2 miles northwest of Moodys to 2 miles north of Moodys, Cherokee County, OK. EFO brief touchdown. Several trees uprooted, barns and rooftops damaged, 2000 pound hay bale rolled.
5. 11:09 p.m. - 3 miles northwest of Gentry to 2 miles southwest of Decatur, Benton County, AR. EF1 stayed on the ground for 2.6 miles. Extensive hardwood tree damage.
6. 11:54 p.m. - 5 miles northeast of Wagoner to 8 miles northeast of Wagoner, Wagoner County, Ok. EFO stayed on the ground for 2.7 miles.

We had more than 100 severe weather warnings that night with more than 50 of those being tornado warnings. So you can see why we took the event so seriously. We were very lucky no one got hurt or killed. Hopefully that was because of our constant coverage and the extensive warnings.

Unfortunately, the event lasted for five hours, which caused us to cover up several TV shows. I’m sure the people underneath those storms appreciated the warnings. Although some people missed their programs, when it comes to a life threatening situation like that, I will always do all I can to make sure our viewers are safe. At NewsChannel 8, we are committed to keeping you covered.