Little Rock, AR — A tornado watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT Sunday for large portions of Arkansas and southeast Missouri, with more than 50 counties under heightened risk for severe weather.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 72 includes central, eastern, and northern Arkansas counties such as Craighead, Faulkner, White, and Mississippi, as well as southeastern Missouri counties including Cape Girardeau, Butler, and Pemiscot. The watch was issued at 2:30 p.m. CDT and remains active through Sunday night.
Residents across the affected regions should stay weather-aware as conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail. Storms are expected to develop and intensify into the evening hours, particularly impacting cities like Jonesboro, AR, and Poplar Bluff, MO.
Emergency officials recommend having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA weather radios and mobile notifications. Residents are urged to identify nearby safe shelters and remain alert through the night.
This severe weather event follows a pattern of springtime tornado activity typical for the region but arrives earlier than average peak season. Local school districts and transportation agencies are monitoring conditions closely for potential disruptions Monday morning.
