Little Rock, Ark. – Damaging winds and large hail could hit central and northeast Arkansas through 7 p.m. Thursday, as a severe thunderstorm watch blankets more than 20 counties, including Jonesboro, Conway, and Paragould.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 252 is in effect until 7 p.m. CDT and includes areas such as Faulkner, Craighead, Pope, and Mississippi counties. Thunderstorms may bring 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, with isolated power outages and tree damage possible.
Cities under threat include Batesville, Searcy, and Mountain Home, where outdoor events and evening commutes could be disrupted. Drivers on U.S. Highways 67, 63, and I-40 should stay alert for sudden visibility drops and debris on roads. Emergency managers urge residents to move indoors when thunder roars and to secure loose items that could become airborne.
The threat is part of a broader instability pattern moving through the Mid-South, bringing fast-developing storm cells capable of producing dangerous lightning and brief downpours.
Storms are expected to taper off after sunset, but additional weather watches could be issued if conditions remain favorable into the night. Stay tuned for updates from local officials and the National Weather Service.
