Fayetteville, Ark. – A tornado watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday for large portions of northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, putting nearly 20 counties at risk for severe weather, including damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, Tornado Watch 154 includes the Arkansas counties of Benton, Washington, Madison, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian, along with Oklahoma counties from Adair to Pushmataha. The alert stretches from Fayetteville and Fort Smith to Tahlequah, Hugo, and Miami.
Residents across the region are urged to stay weather-aware this afternoon as fast-developing storms could quickly turn dangerous. Cities like Bentonville, Springdale, and Poteau may experience sudden downpours, frequent lightning, and rotation-capable cells. Outdoor events should be postponed, and those in mobile homes should seek sturdy shelter.
Storms will likely continue developing through early evening, with conditions favoring brief tornado spin-ups and localized wind damage. Power outages and blocked roadways may follow stronger cells.
This is the first tornado watch of the weekend for many in the region. More warnings could be issued as the system intensifies into Sunday night.
