Memphis, Tennessee – Wind gusts up to 35 mph are pushing across northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel this afternoon, creating travel issues and the risk of isolated power outages before 6 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. CST for Clay, Greene, Craighead and Mississippi counties in Arkansas, along with Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Missouri. Sustained southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph will continue, with peak gusts reaching 35 mph through late afternoon.
Drivers along U.S. Highway 49 near Paragould and Interstate 55 through Blytheville and Caruthersville may notice strong crosswinds, especially in open farmland. High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers and delivery vans face the greatest risk of being pushed within their lanes. In Jonesboro and Kennett, unsecured trash bins and outdoor furniture could be blown into streets, while weak tree limbs may snap.
Residents should secure loose items and use caution when driving, particularly on bridges and exposed roadways. Winds will gradually weaken after sunset, but breezy conditions could linger into the evening commute. Additional advisories are not expected once speeds diminish later tonight.
