Little Rock, Arkansas – Flash flooding could shut down stretches of I-40 and I-30 before sunrise Thursday as multiple rounds of thunderstorms dump up to 4 inches of rain across western and northern Arkansas within the next 24 hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, strong to severe thunderstorms will develop Wednesday afternoon and evening, mainly across western, northwest and north-central Arkansas. Storms may produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to quarter size, with a conditional tornado threat during the evening hours. A renewed round of severe weather is possible again Friday afternoon and evening across parts of western Arkansas.
The greatest flooding concern through early Thursday centers on higher terrain from Fayetteville and Harrison to Russellville and Conway, where repeated storms could train over the same areas. Rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches may overwhelm low-water crossings and smaller creeks. Along I-49, I-40 and Highway 65, drivers could encounter water-covered pavement and rapidly changing visibility after 5 p.m. Wednesday and again overnight.
In the Little Rock metro, storms may bring brief damaging wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs and causing isolated power outages, especially near I-430 and along the I-30 corridor. Heavy rainfall could also create ponding on frontage roads and urban streets.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices and review severe weather shelter plans now. Avoid driving across flooded roadways and monitor warnings closely through Wednesday night and again Friday as additional alerts may be issued.
