Caraway, Ark. – A fast-moving severe thunderstorm with damaging winds and hail is sweeping across portions of eastern Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, and western Tennessee early Friday, prompting urgent warnings for nearly a dozen counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, the storm was spotted near Caraway at 7:56 a.m. CDT, racing east at 45 mph. The system is packing winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail, posing a threat to vehicles, rooftops, trees, and siding. A tornado could quickly develop, officials warned.
Communities under the warning include Osceola, Covington, Etowah, Grider, and Victoria. Areas in Greene, Craighead, Mississippi, Pemiscot, and Dunklin counties are directly in the storm’s path, as well as Tipton, Dyer, and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee. Power outages and travel disruptions are likely along key roadways including U.S. Route 61 and Highway 14.
Residents should move to interior rooms on the lowest floors and remain alert for tornado warnings. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable—seek sturdier shelter if possible.
The warning remains in effect until 8:45 a.m., but additional advisories may follow as the system pushes east.
