Little Rock, Ark. – Residents across northern and central Arkansas should prepare for a round of potentially severe thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon and continuing into the early hours of Saturday, with damaging straight-line winds posing the greatest threat.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock and the Storm Prediction Center, most of northern and central Arkansas is under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather, while a narrow corridor across northeast Arkansas, including areas near Jonesboro, is under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5). Storms are expected to develop along an advancing cold front Friday afternoon before tracking east-southeast at 20 to 35 mph through the overnight hours.
Forecasters say the primary hazard will be damaging wind gusts that could approach 75 mph, capable of downing tree limbs, causing isolated power outages and creating hazardous travel conditions. While the tornado threat remains low, a brief EF0 to EF1 tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly with any storms that form ahead of the main line. Large hail is not expected to be a significant concern.
Communities including Fayetteville, Harrison, Mountain Home, Batesville, Conway, Russellville, Jonesboro, Searcy, Little Rock and West Memphis should closely monitor weather conditions Friday evening. Drivers should be alert for sudden reductions in visibility and debris on roadways as storms move through.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive, and move indoors immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued.
The strongest storms should exit Arkansas before daybreak Saturday as the cold front pushes east, though additional forecast updates or warnings may be issued if storm intensity increases.
