FAYETTEVILLE -- Storm damage to three structures Monday has endangered turfgrass research data at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Three structures known as hoop houses were destroyed Monday, each valued at about $25,000, according to a statement Tuesday from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The structures were designed to protect plots of turf being studied for their tolerance to drought.
"Obviously, they are no longer protected from rain," Mike Richardson, professor of horticulture and turfgrass researcher, said in a statement. The storm also damaged fencing around a turfgrass tennis court used for research.
The National Weather Service reported a top wind gust of 39 miles per hour on Monday for Fayetteville, along with heavy rain. The UA System Division of Agriculture in its statement described the storm as "brief but violent." The damage has caused the cancellation of a July 25 event related to turfgrass research.
Metro on 07/18/2018