Little Rock, Ark. – Severe thunderstorms packing damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes will hit central Arkansas Monday evening, disrupting travel and prompting weather alerts across Pulaski County and beyond.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the threat will intensify after 4 p.m. Monday and persist through early Tuesday morning as a strong cold front pushes across the state. Storms are expected to be most intense north and west of Little Rock, particularly along corridors like I-40 and I-30. Flash flooding is also a major concern, with several inches of rain possible by sunrise Tuesday.
The most dangerous period will stretch from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday. Residents should avoid non-essential travel during that time and secure outdoor items. Spotters may be activated tonight as storms track eastward. Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, and hail up to 1.5 inches could accompany these storms.
Tuesday will begin with lingering morning storms, then gradually clear. Winds could still gust up to 25 mph before calmer, sunnier weather returns midweek.
Extended Forecast for Little Rock:
- Tuesday (May 20): Storms before 1 p.m., clearing by afternoon. High 87°F. Windy.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 86°F.
- Thursday: Sunny and cooler, high 79°F.
- Friday: 40% chance of storms, high 76°F.
- Saturday: Continued storm chances, high 83°F.
