LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 2 a.m., Wednesday, for two counties in Southeast Arkansas i.e. Ashley and Chicot counties. Along with those two Arkansas counties, the Tornado Watch includes a large portion of Louisiana and Mississippi.
On a scale from 1 to 5, the risk for most of eastern Arkansas is 2 to 3. But there is a level 4 risk for areas southeast of Lake Village into Mississippi and Northeast Louisiana.
The Level 1 and 2 zones are not out of the woods, though the threat is far less in these areas.
For those in the Level 3 zone, the greatest threat will be tornadoes and large hail. Any tornadoes that do develop could be strong and long-lived. With sunset coming shortly before 5 PM, there is an enhanced danger since this limits the ability to spot funnel clouds or tornadoes. We will be monitoring the situation closely. So be sure to download the ARStormTeam app.
Even without the thunderstorms, wind will still be strong at times. Gusts could reach 20 to 30 mph. As for flooding, this is less of a risk since storms will be fast-moving. Most locations end up with less than a quarter inch. At most, we will see 3/4″ to 1 inch.
Rain moves in early Tuesday morning over west Arkansas, with activity picking up for central Arkansas closer to lunch. Rain should be out of Arkansas entirely closer to midnight or shortly after.
Once storms move on after midnight, skies clear out and temperatures slip into the upper 30s.
STAY INFORMED:
Download the Arkansas Storm Team app
To make sure you are staying up-to-date with the forecast, download the Arkansas Storm Team app to get updates anywhere at any time.
To watch the latest video updates from the Arkansas Storm Team, you can check them out here.
The Arkansas Storm Team is a collaboration of two stations to bring you the largest weather team in the state when covering Arkansas weather.
