Jonesboro, Arkansas – Wind gusts up to 45 mph are sweeping across northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel this afternoon, knocking around loose objects and raising the risk of isolated power outages before 6 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Clay, Greene, Craighead and Mississippi counties in Arkansas, along with Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Missouri. Sustained southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph will continue, with peak gusts reaching 45 mph through the late afternoon hours.
Cities including Jonesboro, Blytheville, Paragould, Piggott, Kennett and Caruthersville are seeing the strongest gusts. High-profile vehicles on Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 412 and rural east-west roadways may experience sudden crosswinds, especially in open farmland. Tree limbs could snap under repeated gusts, and scattered power interruptions remain possible.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and lightweight equipment immediately. Drivers are urged to keep both hands on the wheel and allow extra space between vehicles. Winds are expected to ease gradually after 6 p.m., but additional statements could be issued if gusts remain stronger than projected into the evening.
