Monticello, Ark. – Residents in southeast Arkansas should stay weather-aware through Tuesday evening as a tornado watch remains in effect for seven counties, with conditions favoring dangerous storms until 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, Tornado Watch 303 covers Monroe, Arkansas, Bradley, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, and Lincoln counties. Cities at risk include Stuttgart, Monticello, Dumas, De Witt, and Warren.
The primary threats are isolated tornadoes, damaging winds up to 70 mph, and large hail. Emergency managers advise residents in mobile homes or low-lying areas to identify shelter locations now in case warnings are issued.
If you’re in Clarendon, Rison, or Star City, expect storm activity to intensify by early evening. Outdoor plans should be postponed, and residents are urged to secure loose items ahead of possible high winds.
This system follows a wave of severe weather that moved through eastern Oklahoma and northeast Texas earlier today. While not all areas will see tornadoes, any storms that form could turn severe quickly.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts. Additional warnings may be issued, and the watch could be extended beyond 8 p.m. depending on storm development.
