A complex of strong to severe thunderstorms will develop along a line that will enter northwestern Arkansas by Monday afternoon and sweep southeastward across the state into Monday evening.
Damaging wind gusts and quarter sized hail will be possible in any storm that becomes severe.
The tornado threat in this environment remains very low, but not zero.
The Flash Flooding threat with this system is low, but locations that saw high rainfall totals with the activity from Thursday and locations that experience efficient rainfall producing cells this afternoon/evening may see flash flooding, especially in prone areas.
Severe Weather Possible Wednesday and Thursday in Arkansas
An active weather pattern will continue across the region through the weekend, with some threat for strong to severe thunderstorms forecast through the weekend.
Chances for severe weather will be greatest across the southwest section of the state through tonight. The threat on Thursday will be less concentrated, but may be more focused for western sections. Chances for severe weather will be a tad lower on Friday…but return for Saturday and Sunday.
The primary threats expected with the strongest storms will be large hail and damaging winds, with some tornadoes also possible. Very large hail over 2 inches in diameter and damaging winds over 70 mph could be seen across southwest sections of the state this Wednesday afternoon.
Some areas of heavy rainfall could be seen by late this week. Additional rainfall amounts exceeding 1.5 inches could be seen through Memorial Day, especially across the south half of the state. Locally heavier amounts are possible. This may lead to some isolated flash flooding.
Severe Weather Briefing from the NWS in Little Rock
After activity comes to an end this morning, some additional thunderstorms could develop across central into southeast Arkansas this evening into tonight. But, the severe weather threat with this activity remains low.
The greatest risk of severe storms in Arkansas will be on Wednesday during the evening into the overnight hours.
Chances for severe weather will increase Wednesday as a storm system tracks from the southern Plains to the mid-Mississippi Valley, and drags a cold front into Arkansas. Ahead of the front, well above average temperatures and humid conditions will create a very unstable environment.
All modes of severe weather are in play. Very large hail up to baseball size and wind gusts up to 80 mph are the main threats, with tornadoes also possible. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flash flooding as well.
Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service
An unsettled weather pattern will continue today/tonight. Showers and scattered thunderstorms remain in the forecast, and areas of heavy rain are expected.
The forecast calls for an additional half inch to more than two inches of rain across Arkansas. Spotty flash flooding is possible, and some minor river flooding is likely to occur or is ongoing.
While the primary concern will be heavy rain, there could be isolated severe storms across southern Arkansas. More significant severe weather is likely farther south along the Gulf Coast (from Louisiana into Mississippi and Alabama).
Weather Outlook for Arkansas on Thursday from the National Weather Service
A storm system will arrive from the Plains on Thursday and bring showers and thunderstorms to Arkansas Thursday into Thursday night.
Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and severe weather will be possible for portions of Arkansas beginning Thursday
Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms could occur across the western two-thirds of Arkansas Thursday and Thursday night. The main concern will be large hail and damaging winds, however a tornado can not be ruled out. The environment will be most unstable (warm/moist) in the southwest part of the state, and that is where damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes are most favorable.
Severe weather expected in Arkansas Thursday and Friday
A cold front will sweep across Arkansas Thursday and Friday.
Showers and storms will develop along and ahead of the front, with potential for strong to severe storms to develop.
The primary hazards with these storms will be large hail, damaging winds, with heavy rain and localized flash flooding.
The timing of the development of storms on Thursday will begin early this afternoon across west/northwest AR, with storms continuing to develop along and ahead of the front as it advances east/southeast through early Friday. Rainfall looks to persist through Friday evening across central, south, and eastern portions of the state.
Severe weather risk for the ArkLaTex Friday
Showers and thunderstorms this morning will decrease in coverage before redevelopment later this afternoon. A squall line is then expected to sweep across the state.with the possibility of strong tornadoes with the best chances over the southeast.
In addition to the severe threat, flooding is a concern. Several inches of rain fell across parts of northwest Arkansas last night with additional widespread rain expected. The precipitation is expected to exit the state late this evening.
Severe Weather expected this afternoon and overnight for the ArkLaTex
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
TORNADO WATCH 57 REMAINS VALID UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS UNION, IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS COLUMBIA HEMPSTEAD HOWARD LAFAYETTE NEVADA, IN LOUISIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 PARISHES IN NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA LINCOLN UNION IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA BIENVILLE BOSSIER CADDO CLAIBORNE DE SOTO NATCHITOCHES RED RIVER SABINE WEBSTER
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Little River County in southwestern Arkansas...
Hempstead County in southwestern Arkansas...
Northern Miller County in southwestern Arkansas...
Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...
Howard County in southwestern Arkansas...
Central Bowie County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 1045 PM CST.
* At 943 PM CST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near De Queen to near Horatio to 6 miles west of
Richmond to 6 miles south of New Boston, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated. Numerous trees and power lines have been
downed with these storms across McCurtain County
Oklahoma. Roof damage has been reported as well.
IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
* Locations impacted include...
Texarkana, De Queen, Wake Village, Ashdown, Nashville, New Boston,
Mineral Springs, Dierks, Horatio, Foreman, Umpire, Nash, Hooks,
Redwater, Red Lick, Lockesburg, Wilton, Blevins, Tollette and
Fulton.
A Moderate Risk (red) and an Enhanced Risk (orange) remains in place across the region for today and tonight. All modes of severe weather will be possible (tornadoes, hail, wind). Remember, NOW is the time to prepare, don't wait for warnings to be issued before taking action!
Severe weather is likely across the entire region Thursday afternoon, especially in the northwest half of the region, continuing into the overnight hours. The above graphic shows the different tornado, severe hail, and severe wind outlooks. Areas in the significant hatched area have the best chances to see strong EF2 or greater tornadoes, damaging winds of 70-80 mph and hail 2" in diameter or greater.
Areas of prolonged rainfall may result in flooding and flash flooding over the next few days. A Flash Flood Watch will go into effect at 6PM this evening, and remain in effect through Noon Friday.
A Wind Advisory will go into effect at noon today and continue through noon on Friday. South to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 45 mph possible.
Weather radar at 8:45 pm Thursday
Go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the Tornado Watch and Flood Watch.
TORNADO WATCH 55 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM CST FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN ARKANSAS. COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE: LITTLE RIVER, MILLER, AND SEVIER
...FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... A widespread severe weather outbreak appears to be possible this afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours. There will be two main chances for severe weather. The first will come during the early or mid-afternoon hours when we have the potential for discrete supercells. This would pose a threat of large hail and strong tornadoes. The second round will come along just ahead of an advancing cold front that will push through during the late afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours. The main threat for this round will be damaging wind gusts and embedded tornadoes. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall will be possible from training storms, increasing the potential for Flash Flooding.
Thunderstorms will become numerous this afternoon and continue into tonight, with widespread severe weather likely across much of the region. The greatest risk for severe weather will exist along and east of Highway 281 during the day, shifting east of the I-35 corridor during the evening hours. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes.
ACCUWEATHER
Thunderstorms on Thursday will erupt from the afternoon into the nighttime hours from Texas through the Ark-La-Tex region and into the lower Mississippi Valley.
This will be the peak of the severe weather risk this week, with AccuWeather forecasters warning of a rare 'high risk' for severe thunderstorms across parts of northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, northern Louisiana and a large portion of Arkansas. This threat area includes the cities of Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Damaging hail, perhaps as large as golf or tennis balls, and a few powerful tornadoes will be possible.
Storm chasers, such as extreme meteorologist Reed Timmer, were gathering in the high-risk area early on Thursday, ahead of the expected formation of tornadoes late in the day.
A much wider part of the country, spanning more than a dozen states and extending from southern Texas to Kentucky, can also experience strong thunderstorms that also could produce damaging wind gusts that bring down trees and power lines, as well as flooding downpours that could imperil motorists.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Expected for Arkansas on Tuesday
A heavy rain event is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday in Arkansas, but it appears the amounts will not be quite as heavy as previously thought.
The forecast calls for three to four inches of rain (instead of four to six inches) from central into southwest Arkansas. Elsewhere across the state, one to three-inch amounts is expected. Given this much rain, there is the potential for flash flooding in places and rises in area rivers.
Click on the pic below for the attached weather briefing PDF from the National Weather Service.
Severe Weather/Heavy Rain Briefing from the National Weather Service
Click on pic above for NWS Weather Briefing 03/21/22 PDF
National Weather Service Excessive Rainfall Briefing for SW Arkansas
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for portions of Arkansas...northwest Louisiana...
southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas, including the following
areas, in Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little
River, Miller, Nevada, Sevier and Union. In northwest Louisiana,
Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster. In southeast Oklahoma,
McCurtain. In northeast Texas, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee,
Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River,
Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood.
* From 7 AM CDT this morning through Tuesday morning
* Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts
possible. Rain amounts may occur in a short period of time and may
impact locations that have seen heavy rainfall over the last few
days.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
We are expecting an active day across the state regarding heavy rainfall and flash flooding potential. With the morning forecast package, the Weather Prediction Center introduced a Moderate risk of excessive rainfall for much of southwest and central Arkansas. The potential 2 to 3 inches of rain over the risk area with some locally greater amounts coupled with antecedent heavy rainfall the last few days has led to a compromised soil surface and increased flash flooding vulnerability. Please see the attached briefing for more in depth information regarding flash flooding potential over the next few days.
Severe Weather Possible Across Arkansas Overnight Thursday into Friday Morning
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of south central Arkansas, southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas. .
Today and Tonight... By tonight, locally heavy rainfall from widespread showers and thunderstorms can produce isolated flash flooding, especially along the U.S. Highway 82 corridor in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas. .
Friday through Wednesday... Showers and thunderstorms will return across the region Thursday night and into Friday morning. This activity will be associated with a squall line, and some of these storms can be strong to severe, particularly north of I-20. Damaging winds will be the primary threat with this activity.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio operators...and storm spotters may be needed for Thursday night. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines.
Area Lakes and Rivers Up Substantially Because of Recent Rains
Areas of flooding in photos were at Pine Ridge and Story Creek on De Queen Lake. Be watchful of floating debris if boating. (photos by Jon Bunyard)
Flash Flooding Continues Another Day in SW Arkansas
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for
* Portions of southwest Arkansas...Louisiana...southeast Oklahoma
and Texas, including the following areas, in southwest Arkansas,
Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller,
Nevada and Sevier. In Louisiana, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo,
Claiborne, De Soto, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red
River, Sabine, Webster and Winn. In southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain.
In Texas, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg,
Harrison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Red River, Rusk,
Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood.
* Through this evening
* Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts
possible.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
...The Flood Warning continues for the following river in Oklahoma... Arkansas...
Little River At Horatio affecting McCurtain, Sevier, Little River and Howard Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do not drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.
For more hydrologic information, copy and paste the following website address into your favorite web browser URL bar: water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=shv
902 AM CDT Fri May 21 2021 ...The Flood Warning is now in effect until tomorrow afternoon...
The Flood Warning continues for the Little River At Horatio.
* Until Saturday afternoon.
* At 8:00 AM CDT Friday the stage was 27.6 feet.
* Flood stage is 27 feet.
* Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.
* Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:00 AM CDT Friday was 28.5 feet.
* Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage late this Friday evening and continue falling to 20.9 feet Wednesday morning.
* Impact...Minor lowland flooding to diminish and end through late this Friday evening
Flash Flood Watch Extended Through Thursday Evening and River Flood Warning
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for
* Portions of southwest Arkansas...Louisiana...southeast Oklahoma
and Texas, including the following areas, in southwest Arkansas,
Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller,
Nevada and Sevier. In Louisiana, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo,
Claiborne, De Soto, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red
River, Sabine, Webster and Winn. In southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain.
In Texas, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg,
Harrison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Red River, Rusk,
Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood.
* Through this evening
* Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches, with isolated locally higher
amounts possible.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued....Forecast flooding changed from Minor to Moderate severity and
increased in duration for the following river in Oklahoma...
Arkansas...
Little River At Horatio affecting McCurtain, Sevier, Little River
and Howard Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Do not drive cars through flooded areas.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All
interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles....Forecast flooding increased from Minor to Moderate severity and
increased in duration until Saturday evening...
The Flood Warning continues for
the Little River At Horatio.
* Until Saturday evening.
* At 7:00 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 28.3 feet.
* Flood stage is 27 feet.
* Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.
* Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending
at 7:00 AM CDT Thursday was 28.3 feet.
* Forecast...The Little River is expected to rise to a crest of 28.6
feet this Thursday evening. It will then fall below flood stage
early Saturday morning.
* Impact...At 29.0 feet, The boat ramp recreation area at Wilton,
Arkansas downstream from Horatio is flooded and closed. Also the
golf course west of Haratio, Arkansas suffers from overflow.
Flash Flood Watch Remains in Effect Through Thursday Morning
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Portions of southwest Arkansas, Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma,
and Texas, including the following areas, in southwest
Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little
River, Miller, Nevada, and Sevier. In Louisiana, Bienville,
Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln,
Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster, and Winn. In
southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain. In Texas, Angelina, Bowie,
Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion,
Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San
Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, and Wood.
* Through Thursday morning
* Additional rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with isolated higher
amounts of 3 inches or more possible.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and
rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 77. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7pm and 4am, then showers after 4am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday
Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. High near 78. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 83.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Flash Flood Watch in Effect Through Thursday Morning
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Portions of southwest Arkansas, Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma,
and Texas, including the following areas, in southwest
Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little
River, Miller, Nevada, and Sevier. In Louisiana, Bienville,
Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln,
Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster, and Winn. In
southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain. In Texas, Angelina, Bowie,
Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion,
Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San
Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, and Wood.
* From 7 AM CDT this morning through Thursday morning
* Additional rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches with isolated higher
amounts in excess of 6 inches possible.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and
rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Showers and Thunderstorms Continue Thursday; Flash Flood Watch in Effect for SW AR
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * Portions of southwest Arkansas...southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas, including the following areas, in southwest Arkansas, Howard, Little River and Sevier. In southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain. In northeast Texas, Bowie, Franklin, Red River and Titus. * Through this afternoon * Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible. * Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
Tropical Storm Laura Effect on Arkansas
National Weather Service statement regarding Tropical Storm Laura and its possible effect on Arkansas
Tropical Storm Laura Impacts to Arkansas
What’s Coming
• Tropical Storm Laura is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today over the Gulf of Mexico.
• Laura is forecast to make landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning along the northern Gulf coast near the Texas/Louisiana border.
• The storm center will lift north over Arkansas sometime Thursday afternoon into Friday. Impacts could be felt as early as Wednesday afternoon and night.
Hazards
• Heavy rain/flash
• Strong winds/wind gusts (mainly southern Arkansas)
• Isolated tornadoes (mainly central/eastern Arkansas)
Discussion
The latest official forecast track has Laura making landfall near the Texas/Louisiana coast as a major hurricane Wednesday night or early Thursday Morning, with the storm moving into Arkansas Thursday afternoon or evening.
Specific impacts will be determined by Laura's track across Arkansas, and slight variations could significantly alter the forecast.
Rainfall...
Heavy rainfall is a given, especially near and to the east of the center as rain bands repeatedly move over the same areas. Based on the latest forecast, western and central Arkansas will be the prime areas for heavy rainfall, with amounts of four to six inches likely, and localized totals in excess of seven inches.
While most of central and eastern Arkansas has been running below average on rainfall as of late, portions of southwest and western Arkansas have been running five to ten inches above average month to date.
We definitely think flash flooding will be a concern, but it would likely take longer to materialize in the driest areas.
Winds...
Even as Laura moves into Arkansas, it is likely to still be maintaining tropical storm strength.
· Sustained winds of 30 to 40 MPH will be possible surrounding the center of circulation, and gusts could approach or even briefly exceed 50 MPH.
· While the winds alone are enough cause for concern, any areas that have experienced heavy rainfall could see more downed trees due to saturated ground.
Tornadoes...
Tornadoes will be possible in the bands north and east of the center of circulation. These are the types of tornadoes that tend to be very brief and move south to north or southeast to northwest. They are particularly challenging to warn for, as they tend to be shallow and short-lived.
Threat timing (Greatest potential)...
Heavy rainfall - Thursday and Friday
Winds - Thursday Afternoon and Evening
Tornadoes - Thursday and Thursday Night
As far as rivers are concerned, with the current amount of rainfall expected, we could see rises in the Ouachita, Saline, Fourche Lafave, Little Missouri and Arkansas basins.
Again, any change in the anticipated track of Laura could alter the forecast significantly.
NWS meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the forecast as necessary.
Continue to monitor the latest information from the National Hurricane Center and your Arkansas NWS forecast offices.
National Weather Service
Little Rock, Arkansas
