Norman, Oklahoma — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 2 p.m. CST Saturday for much of Arkansas, as strong storms move across the region with the potential for damaging winds and hail.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes dozens of counties across central, eastern, and southern Arkansas, covering major population centers including Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro, West Memphis, and Stuttgart.
Counties included in the watch stretch across a broad portion of the state, including Pulaski, Saline, Craighead, Mississippi, Jefferson, Phillips, Arkansas, Lee, Lonoke, White, Greene, and St. Francis counties, along with many surrounding communities.
Forecasters say storms moving across the region could produce scattered damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, capable of downing trees and power lines.
Additional hazards include isolated hail up to about 1 inch in diameter and the possibility that a brief tornado or two may develop within stronger storm cells.
The watch covers storms expected to move generally west to east across Arkansas during the late morning and early afternoon hours.
Officials remind residents that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, and people in the affected counties should stay alert for warnings if storms intensify.
Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds could also affect travel, outdoor activities, and weekend events across central and eastern Arkansas.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts and have a plan to move indoors quickly if severe weather approaches.
