Little Rock, Arkansas – Residents across northern Arkansas should keep a close eye on the sky Tuesday afternoon as isolated severe thunderstorms could develop across the state’s northern tier, bringing the potential for damaging winds and large hail.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the highest risk area stretches across far northern Arkansas, including portions of the Ozarks near Fayetteville, Harrison, Mountain Home and communities along the Missouri border. While the overall threat remains low, forecasters emphasize it is not zero, and any storm that becomes severe could produce significant impacts in a short period of time.
The primary window for severe weather is expected between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, with storms moving east-southeast at 30 to 40 mph. The main hazards include damaging wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs and causing isolated power outages, along with large hail that could damage vehicles and outdoor property.
Most of Arkansas, including Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs and El Dorado, is expected to remain outside the primary severe weather zone. However, residents traveling into northern sections of the state should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Drivers should be prepared for sudden downpours and reduced visibility if storms develop. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items, park vehicles under shelter when possible and ensure weather alerts are enabled on mobile devices.
Forecasters stress that storm coverage will be isolated, but any severe thunderstorm that forms could become hazardous quickly. Additional updates and any watches or warnings will be issued as conditions evolve Tuesday afternoon.
