Little Rock, Arkansas – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of Arkansas late Friday and continue into the overnight hours, according to the National Weather Service in Little Rock.
Forecasters say the greatest severe weather potential will be across the western and northwestern portions of the state, where storms may begin developing late Friday evening and continue overnight into early Saturday morning.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed northwest Arkansas under an enhanced risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather, while much of the northwestern half of Arkansas remains under a slight risk (Level 2 of 5).
Meteorologists say all types of severe weather will be possible, including damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, large hail up to golf-ball size, and a few tornadoes embedded within lines of storms.
The National Weather Service says storms may form into a line of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, while isolated storms ahead of the line could produce large hail and brief tornadoes.
The severe weather threat is expected to gradually move east overnight.
Additional rounds of storms are possible Saturday, particularly across the southeastern half of Arkansas, where scattered strong storms may develop from mid-morning through the afternoon.
During Saturday’s storms, large hail and damaging winds remain the primary threats, although the tornado risk is expected to be lower than Friday night.
Residents across Arkansas are urged to stay weather aware, especially overnight when storms may arrive while many people are sleeping.
Officials recommend having multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including weather radios, mobile alerts, or local media updates.
Forecasters say the active weather pattern could continue into early next week, with additional rounds of storms possible across the region.
