Little Rock, Ark. — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across central and southern Arkansas and extreme southeast Oklahoma until 3 p.m., with storms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, the watch was issued at 8:45 a.m. CDT Monday as clusters of thunderstorms began developing across southeast Oklahoma and moving eastward into Arkansas.
Forecasters say the primary threat through the morning is large hail ranging from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, with isolated instances of very large hail possible in stronger storms. As the system evolves late this morning into early afternoon, storms may organize into larger clusters capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph.
The watch area stretches roughly 45 miles north and south of a line from near De Queen, Arkansas, to east of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, covering a broad portion of the state including communities across the southern and central regions.
Meteorologists note that severe thunderstorms within the watch area could also generate extreme turbulence and strong wind gusts, posing potential hazards for aviation. Storm tops may reach up to 50,000 feet, indicating strong updrafts capable of supporting large hail formation.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe storms, though storms may not occur everywhere in the watch area. Residents are urged to stay alert for possible warnings, which indicate severe weather is imminent or already occurring.
Severe thunderstorms can occasionally produce tornadoes, though tornado development is not the primary concern with this system.
The watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon as storms track east across the region. Commuters and students traveling during late morning hours may encounter rapidly changing weather conditions. ⛈️🌩️
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