Severe thunderstorms are the defining hazard at Pea Ridge, with Benton County recording 30 thunderstorm wind events, 19 hail storms, and 12 tornadoes in recent years — a pattern that has caused 3 deaths and 2 injuries in the area. The open, historically preserved terrain of this military park offers little natural shelter when fast-moving storms roll through northwest Arkansas.
Before arriving, download a NOAA weather radio app and check forecasts each morning, since storms here can develop quickly and hit with little warning. Pack a hardshell car-camping shelter or plan to use your vehicle as your designated storm refuge, keeping it unlocked and accessible at all times. If hail or rotation is reported nearby, move immediately to your vehicle and stay away from the park's open fields and exposed ridge lines until the storm fully passes.
Top recorded hazards in Benton County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Thunderstorm Wind 30
- Hail 19
- Tornado 12
- Flood 2
- Flash Flood 1
Gear keyed to this park's risks
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About Pea Ridge National Military Park
On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri which was a turning point of the war in the Trans-Mississippi. This 4,400-acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these hallowed grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.
Weather
Pea Ridge National Military Park is located in the northwestern part of the state and is on a part of the Ozark Plateau. The climate is hot and humid in the summers, has mild temperatures in the fall, and drier and cooler temperatures in the winter. During the spring and summer, active thunderstorms can pop up. During the winter months, the wind chill factor can make the temperature feel much colder than the air temperature. The winters can be cold with some snow and ice.