Little Rock, Arkansas – Drivers across Arkansas could encounter strong thunderstorms capable of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail by late Tuesday afternoon, with storms expanding across central and western parts of the state before moving east overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, a developing storm system will trigger scattered severe storms beginning mid-afternoon Tuesday and continuing into the overnight hours. Forecasters say the primary hazards include wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch in diameter, though a brief tornado cannot be ruled out if storms intensify.
The risk zone stretches from Fort Smith and Fayetteville through Russellville, Conway, and Little Rock, then southeast toward Pine Bluff and Texarkana. Motorists on Interstate 40, Interstate 30, and Interstate 49 could see rapidly changing conditions during the evening commute as storms move east across the state.
By Wednesday afternoon and evening, another round of scattered storms could redevelop, especially across central and eastern Arkansas including Little Rock, West Memphis, and Jonesboro. The threat again includes damaging wind and hail, with storm coverage expected to increase across the Mississippi River corridor.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and enable wireless emergency alerts before storms arrive. Power interruptions and tree damage are possible where the strongest winds occur.
Additional advisories or severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued as storms develop Tuesday afternoon and again Wednesday, and residents are urged to keep multiple ways to receive alerts.
