Little Rock, AR – A dangerous round of severe thunderstorms is set to intensify across Arkansas and Missouri late Friday afternoon, with tornado development possible near major highways before sunset and continuing into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, storms are expected to organize across western Arkansas by 4 p.m. Friday, rapidly strengthening as they track northeast at 45 to 55 mph. Wind gusts could reach 70 to 75 mph, hail may exceed 2 inches in diameter, and isolated tornadoes are increasingly likely — especially from northwest Arkansas into southwest and central Missouri.
In Arkansas, the highest concern centers on communities along I-30, I-40 and I-49, including Little Rock, Fort Smith and Fayetteville. Discrete supercells may develop ahead of a larger storm complex, increasing the risk for brief but intense tornadoes before storms merge into a line by evening. Travel could become hazardous within minutes as heavy rain reduces visibility below one mile.
Across Missouri, Springfield and Joplin along I-44 face a growing tornado risk between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the threat expanding toward Columbia and areas along I-70 later Friday night. Power outages are possible where stronger wind cores track directly over populated areas.
Residents should secure outdoor items now, charge devices and identify a lowest-level interior room away from windows. Because storms may persist past midnight, ensure emergency alerts are enabled before going to sleep.
The severe weather threat will continue through at least early Saturday morning, and additional watches and warnings are likely as storms intensify.
