Little Rock, Arkansas – Drivers along I-30 and I-40 should prepare for heavy downpours and strong thunderstorms developing by 3 p.m. Wednesday, with localized flooding possible before the evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, a few strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across central, western and northern Arkansas from midafternoon through midnight. Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and large hail are the primary hazards, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. In addition, a marginal excessive rainfall risk covers much of the state, raising concerns for flash flooding where storms repeatedly track over the same area.
Rainfall totals may exceed 1 inch in a short period, especially near Little Rock, Conway and Russellville. Isolated locations could approach 2 inches before midnight. That rainfall rate may overwhelm drainage systems and lead to ponding on I-430, I-440 and low-lying stretches of Highway 10.
The most active window for severe weather runs from 3 p.m. to midnight, with storms developing west of the capital and spreading east toward Pine Bluff and West Memphis. Visibility could drop below one mile during heavier bursts, and wind gusts may knock down tree limbs or cause isolated power outages.
Residents should secure outdoor items and avoid driving through water-covered roads. Have multiple ways to receive warnings as storms intensify late Wednesday.
Additional watches or warnings may be issued quickly if storms organize across central Arkansas through the evening hours.
