Little Rock, Ark. – Drivers across northern and central Arkansas could face sudden downpours, lightning, and wind gusts approaching 60 mph before 9 p.m. Wednesday as strong thunderstorms track across the Ozark region, raising the risk of power outages and dangerous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 11 remains in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday for 14 counties across central, eastern, and north-central Arkansas. The watch includes Baxter, Boone, Fulton, Izard, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, Lawrence, Randolph, Pope, and Johnson counties.
Communities from Russellville and Clarksville to Mountain Home, Harrison, Pocahontas, and Mountain View fall inside the watch zone. Storms moving through the region could produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and brief heavy rain capable of reducing visibility on highways such as U.S. 65, Highway 62, and Interstate 40 near Pope County.
Cities including Batesville, Marshall, Jasper, Cave City, and Walnut Ridge could see storms develop quickly during the evening commute, increasing the chance of slick roads and scattered debris. Rural areas in the Ozark Mountains may experience isolated power interruptions if stronger wind cores develop.
Residents should secure outdoor objects, charge mobile devices, and avoid unnecessary travel during storms, especially in mountainous terrain where lightning and wind can intensify rapidly.
The watch remains active until 9 p.m. Wednesday, and additional warnings may be issued if storms strengthen over northern Arkansas through the evening.
