Hot Springs National Park – Twisted Bent Tree – Microburst, Tornado or…?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This is a blog about a single Short Leaf Pine Tree located at the top of Hot Springs Mountain.  Last night as I was sitting on the bathroom floor waiting for the all clear siren hiking and blogging was the farthest thing from my thoughts.  We were in the middle of a Tornado Warning, my first but one of many my Husband Rick has experienced.  Tonight as I type this we are waiting for another line of severe storms to reach Hot Springs. Watches and Warnings for a combination of weather events.

This morning there was a gap in what seems to be endless line of spring storms so I dashed out for a hike which I will blog about tomorrow.  When I reached the top of the Short Cut Trail I see a Short Leaf Pine that has been bent over.  This is unusual, after storms in Hot Springs National Park I usually find Trees that are uprooted or completely snapped off.  This is the first one I have found that looked as if a giant hand grabbed the Tree, twisted and then bent the trunk.

Did a Tornado touch this Tree on the way to touch down approximately 8 miles away? Did a Tornado try to form above this Tree?  Was this a Microburst? Was this a weather event I have not mentioned?  I want to understand what happened to this Tree, I have passing it for over a year as I hike in the park.  I need your help to find answers to how this beautiful Tree was twisted and bent.  Thank You in advance for your help…

If you have answers… or more questions I would appreciate hearing from you.

Much Love,
Lee