Little Rock, AR –
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for much of Arkansas through 6 p.m. CDT Saturday, with forecasters warning of storms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning throughout the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Watch No. 623 includes 27 Arkansas counties, stretching from Benton and Washington in the northwest to Garland, Pope, and Yell in central Arkansas.
Counties included under the watch are Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Izard, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pike, Polk, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Stone, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell.
Meteorologists say storms are developing along a warm, unstable air mass ahead of an approaching cold front. “Any storm that forms this afternoon could become severe quickly,” forecasters warned.
Hazards include wind gusts over 60 mph, hail up to one inch in diameter, and brief heavy rainfall that could lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents are advised to stay weather-aware, move indoors at the first sound of thunder, and secure loose outdoor items. The line of storms is expected to weaken and move east by early evening.
