LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A fast-moving cluster of thunderstorms is sweeping across western Arkansas this afternoon, packing wind gusts as strong as 55 mph and prompting a Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service in Little Rock. The storms are expected to continue east through early evening, bringing the risk of downed tree limbs and isolated power outages.
According to the NWS Little Rock, Doppler radar detected strong storms forming along a line from Blue Mountain to near Norman around 2 p.m. CDT. The storms are moving east at about 50 mph and impacting portions of Logan, Clark, Perry, Pike, Garland, Scott, Polk, Yell, Hot Spring, and Montgomery Counties through at least 2:45 p.m. CDT.
While hail is not a major concern, forecasters warn that wind gusts between 50 and 55 mph could make driving hazardous on Highways 7 and 270, especially near Waldron, Danville, Mount Ida, and Hot Springs. Outdoor items should be secured, and residents are urged to stay indoors until the line of storms passes.
Entergy Arkansas crews are on alert for possible scattered outages. Those outdoors at parks or lakes, including Lake Ouachita and Albert Pike Recreation Area, should seek shelter immediately as lightning and falling debris could pose risks.
Conditions are expected to improve from west to east late this afternoon, with cooler, calmer weather settling in overnight as the line moves toward central Arkansas.
