Fort Smith, Ark. – Tornadoes, giant hail, and hurricane-force winds are all possible across western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma tonight as a dangerous storm system sweeps through the region.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Tornado Watch is in effect until 2 a.m. CDT Tuesday for much of western and northern Arkansas, southeast and eastern Oklahoma, and far northeast Texas. Several tornadoes are likely, with the potential for a few to reach EF2 or stronger. Hailstones up to 3.5 inches and wind gusts as high as 80 mph could also hit overnight.
Cities under threat include Fort Smith, Fayetteville, McAlester, Durant, and Texarkana. Supercells will develop and track northeast, with possible tornado touchdowns as early as 8 p.m. Some storms may merge into larger clusters after midnight, raising the risk of widespread wind damage.
Drivers along I-40, I-49, and U.S. Route 69 should avoid travel after dark if possible. Residents are urged to charge phones, secure outdoor items, and have shelter plans ready. Storm sirens may not be audible during heavy wind or rain — keep a NOAA radio or alerts enabled on your phone.
This watch remains active through early Tuesday, and more warnings could follow as storms evolve.
