Jonesboro, Arkansas – Drivers across northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel have just hours to secure loose items and prepare for sudden 45 mph wind gusts that could make travel hazardous before the evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. CST Thursday for Clay, Greene, Craighead, and Mississippi counties in Arkansas, along with Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Missouri. Southwest winds between 15 and 25 mph are producing peak gusts up to 45 mph.
The strongest impacts stretch from Jonesboro and Paragould to Blytheville and Corning in Arkansas, and north into Kennett and Caruthersville in Missouri. High-profile vehicles on highways including U.S. 412, U.S. 49, and Interstate 555 may experience sudden crosswinds. Tree limbs could snap, and isolated power outages are possible if branches fall onto lines.
Emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and decorations immediately. Drivers should keep both hands on the wheel and allow extra space between vehicles, especially on elevated roadways and open farmland where winds accelerate.
Winds will gradually ease after 6 p.m., but additional advisories could be issued if gusts persist into the evening.
