Little Rock, AR – Heavy rain and severe storms are already moving across Arkansas early this morning, with flooding and dangerous travel conditions possible through 11 p.m. Friday, especially along I-40 and I-30 corridors.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, scattered severe storms will continue statewide through the day, with the highest flood risk focused in northwest Arkansas early this morning. Rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches are expected across much of the state, but localized amounts could exceed 2 inches where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.
Cities including Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Russellville, and Harrison face the greatest early flooding concern, while Little Rock, Conway, and Pine Bluff will see periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms through the afternoon. Storms are moving east-northeast at 40 to 50 mph, increasing the risk of sudden downpours and rapidly changing road conditions.
Damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph and large hail over 2 inches are possible in stronger storms, particularly across central and southern Arkansas. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Low-lying roads and flood-prone areas may become impassable with little warning.
Drivers should avoid water-covered roads, delay travel during heavy rain, and keep phones charged in case of outages. The severe weather threat continues through late tonight, with additional warnings likely as storms redevelop and move across the state.
