Little Rock, Ark. – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering much of central and southern Arkansas remains in effect until 3 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 28 was issued Monday morning for 34 counties across the state, where atmospheric conditions may support the development of severe thunderstorms during the afternoon hours.
Counties included in the watch span a large portion of the state, including Pulaski, Saline, Garland, Lonoke, Jefferson, Union, Columbia, Ouachita, and Hot Spring counties, along with several surrounding areas across southern, central, and western Arkansas.
A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for the development of storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and intense lightning. Watches typically cover large areas and are issued several hours before storms develop.
Forecasters say storms may begin developing late Monday morning and continue through the early afternoon as a weather system moves across the region. If storms intensify, warnings may be issued for individual counties or cities where severe weather is occurring or imminent.
Residents across the watch area are encouraged to monitor local forecasts, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.
Severe thunderstorms can produce sudden wind gusts capable of damaging trees and power lines, as well as brief heavy rainfall that may reduce visibility on roadways during the afternoon commute.
Students, workers, and commuters traveling across central Arkansas should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions as storms develop.
