Jonesboro, Arkansas – Drivers across northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel could face hazardous crosswinds by late Thursday morning as strong gusts build quickly ahead of changing conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Wind Advisory takes effect at 11 a.m. Thursday and continues through 7 p.m., covering Clay, Greene, Craighead, and Mississippi counties in Arkansas, along with Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Missouri. Southwest winds will increase to 20 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph during the afternoon.
The strongest winds are expected between noon and 5 p.m., impacting travel along Interstate 55, U.S. 412, and rural highways where open terrain allows gusts to intensify. High-profile vehicles, including semis and farm equipment, may experience sudden lane drift, especially near Blytheville, Paragould, and Kennett.
Loose outdoor items such as trash bins and patio furniture could be blown around, while weakened tree limbs may snap, leading to isolated power outages across the region.
Residents should secure outdoor objects before late morning and use extra caution when driving, particularly on north-south roads. The advisory expires Thursday evening, but breezy conditions may linger into Friday as the system moves east.
