Heavy rainfall occurred overnight through early Wednesday morning across northern Arkansas which has led to serious flash flooding concerns in some locations
Estimated rainfall totals above 10 inches have been observed across portions of Searcy, Stone, Marion and Baxter Counties
Additional rainfall is expected today and tomorrow which could worsen ongoing flash flooding
Southern Arkansas could see heat index values of 105 or higher this afternoon
If you have any flash flooding reports, please pass them along to our office when it is convenient
Live cattle prices at an all-time high
by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)
High live cattle prices are pushing beef production down and pushing retail beef prices higher during the summer grilling season. Cattle prices were at an all-time high at mid-year, according to Derrell Peel, livestock marketing specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension.
Peel reports fed steers averaged $195.81 per hundredweight, with large steers priced at $255.41 per hundredweight at auctions before July 4. He said high live weight prices have pushed beef production down 1.6% from the same six-month period a year ago. Steer slaughter is down 1.7% and heifer slaughter is down 1.5% from a year ago. Peel said higher steer and heifer carcass weights are more than offsetting the modest decreases in slaughter.
Wholesale choice boxed beef prices are equal to one year ago at $328.96 in early July. Peel said wholesale prices for popular grilling steaks are strong at midyear increasing the demand for ground beef and pushing those prices to record levels. Peel said the 83.3% lean ground beef hit a wholesale record price of $3.26 per pound in early July.
Paddlesports see national rise in fatalities
LITTLE ROCK — Sales of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards have surged since 2020, with more Americans than ever taking to the water aboard a paddling craft. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating fatalities associated with padding craft have increased as well.
According to the USCG’s 2023 Boating Statistics, 304 injuries requiring medical attention were recorded last year from paddle craft operators, resulting in 189 fatalities. This accounted for nearly one-third of the total boating fatalities recorded during the year. Arkansas, however, bucked this trend, recording only two fatalities.
Sydney Grant, AGFC boating safety coordinator at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Hot Springs regional office, says boaters should still pay heed to the warning, especially as the summer sun drives many more users to Arkansas’s waterways.
“Motorboats still make up the vast majority of our accidents and fatalities here,” Grant said. “But we want everyone out there to make it home safely, and it really only takes a little extra effort to do so.”
Tropical Storm Beryl Briefing from the National Weather Service
Areas from southwest to north-central Arkansas could see the highest totals (isolated 4-6 inch amounts)
This map shows rainfall totals through Tuesday night, which includes some rainfall expected before Beryl moves through.
TS Beryl will move onshore along the Texas coast late tonight into early Monday morning, likely as a hurricane.
Beryl will quickly weaken and move toward the north then northeast, traveling across east/northeast Texas Monday into early Tuesday morning.
The remnants of Beryl are expected to move across Arkansas from Monday afternoon through Tuesday before lifting northeast of the state by early Wednesday morning.
The remnants of Beryl could provide some locally heavy rain and perhaps a few tornadoes/damaging wind gusts across Arkansas from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.
NOTE: Do not focus on the exact track. Impacts can occur well outside the area enclosed by the cone
Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service
A cold front will push through Arkansas beginning on Wednesday morning along the Arkansas/Missouri border in the north and traverse the state moving southward during the day. Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely to be present along this cold front as it moves across the state from north to south.
Re-development or rejuvenation of thunderstorm activity will be possible as the cold front moves across central and into southern Arkansas into the early afternoon hours on Wednesday.
Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the primary concerns. The tornado threat is very low, but a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.
District farm families of the year announced
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
The 77th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has announced its eight district farm families, representing the wide variety of Arkansas agriculture, the state’s largest industry.
Judges will visit farms to determine the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, who will be announced Dec. 13.
The Farm Family of the Year program annually begins with the selection of top farm families in each county and culminates in December with the selection of the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, who then represents Arkansas at the Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition. Arkansas has had three Southeast Farmer of the Year winners, Brian and Nan Kirksey (Clark County), 2008; Wildy Family Farms (Mississippi County), 2016; and the Cobb, Lyerly and Owen Family/Partnership (Craighead County), 2023.
This year’s finalists include:
National Weather Service issues a heat advisory for the four-state region
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette- Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-Union-DeSoto-Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-Natchitoches- Winn-Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-McCurtain-Red River-Bowie-Franklin- Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-Marion-Smith-Gregg-Harrison- Cherokee-Rusk-Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-San Augustine- Sabine-
156 PM CDT Mon Jun 24 2024
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT TUESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109.
* WHERE...Portions of south-central and southwest Arkansas, north-central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce risk during outdoor work. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
4-H’ers compete at District 4-H O’Rama in Malvern
Sevier County 4-H’ers competed against 4-H’ers from across the state at the District 4-H O’Rama at Malvern High School on June 19. To qualify for district level, they had to compete at the local County 4-H O’Rama.
The winners in the Senior Division (ages 14-19) were as follows:
Jacob Seymour placed 1st in Animal Science, Zae-Lei Frachiseur placed 1st in Wildlife, Evan Wolcott placed 3rd in Wildlife, John Moe placed 4th in Sports Fishing & Bait Casting, Chip Stamps placed 6th in Sports Fishing & Bait Casting, and Charlie Collins placed 8th in Gun Safety.
All 1st – 7th place senior winners are eligible to compete and represent Sevier County at the State 4-H O’Rama to be held at the University of Arkansas Campus in Fayetteville in July.
Junior Division (ages 9-13) winners were as follows:
Madison Tabler placed 1st in Performing Arts-Instrumental, Wayland Risley placed 3rd in Wildlife, and Asher Frachiseur placed 4th in Sports Fishing & Bait Casting.
Also recognized at District O’Rama are District winning Record Books. Record Keeping is part of the overall 4-H experience, and a record book is an important part of completing each project. It is a written history of a 4-H’ers project work and a narrative of their success and learning in 4-H. Record Books are judged at a local level, district level, and state level.
Beginner Category (ages 9-12) winners were as follows:
Rebecca Trauger in Foods & Nutrition, Madison Tabler in Music, and Leighton Frachiseur in Animal Science.
Intermediate Category (ages 13-15) winners were as follows:
Evan Wolcott in Wildlife Management, Ty Wagner in Health & Fitness, Katie Williamson in Health & Fitness and Raegan Frachiseur in Achievement.
Record Books in the Advance Category (ages 16-18) are judged at the state level. Winners in this category are recognized at State O’Rama in July. Winners in this category are:
Kyle Williamson in Wildlife Management and Jacob Seymour in Health & Fitness.
Sevier County also received the District Spirit Award for 4-H’ers demonstrating a positive attitude, extending generosity for others, and providing role models who set the standard for excellence.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Front row left to right: Landon Tabler, Asher Frachiseur, and Wayland Risley. Back row: Madison Tabler, Emily Stamps, Evan Wolcott, Chip Stamps, Jacob Seymour, John Moe, Charlie Collins, and Zae-Lei Frachiseur.
Jacob Seymour running for 4-H State Office
Submitted by: Kim Frachiseur, CEA-4-H
The Sevier County Extension Office would like to announce that Jacob Seymour of De Queen is running for an Arkansas 4-H State Officer position.
Jacob Seymour
Each year, Arkansas 4-H Youth vote in seven of their peers each summer to represent Arkansas 4-H for the year. The officers are inducted each year at the annual Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama activities. The seven positions include President, First Vice-President, Delta District Vice-President, Ouachita District Vice-President, Ozark District Vice-President, Secretary, and Reporter.
Seymour will be running for the Ouachita District Vice-President position. Jake is the son of Debbie and Justin Seymour. He was named 2022 Arkansas Teen Star and is currently an Arkansas State Ambassador. When asked what inspired him to run, Seymour stated, “I would love to raise more awareness in my district and also the state level about 4-H. I meet a lot of people that think 4-H is just cows and chickens. I would like to teach them there is so much more to 4-H.”
District Vice-Presidents are elected during each corresponding 4-H District O-Ramas and the remaining positions are elected during Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama. Candidates campaign throughout the summer at events such as O-Rama and Teen Leader Conference.
4-H state officers also get the chance to travel the state while working on events and their skills.
“They will be representing Arkansas 4-H throughout the state,” Rex Herring said. “Some specific skills that the officers will grow in will be public speaking, interacting with sponsors and administrators of various organizations. If elected, Jake will do a great job.”
NWS Severe Weather Outlook for Arkansas June 3, 2024
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.
UA Cossatot Spring 2024 Graduates, Chancellor's and Vice Chancellor's Lists
Congratulations, UA Cossatot Grads Spring 2024!
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.
Extension to offer two-day remote produce safety training May 29-30
PRODUCE SAFETY — For fruit and vegetable growers, ensuring their farms are free of microbial contamination and reducing the risk of foodborne illness is key to the success of their operation. The Cooperative Extension Service will offer a two-day remote training with information about best practices, worker health and hygiene, and more. (Division of Agriculture graphic.)
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — To help Arkansas fruit and vegetable growers across the state learn practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will offer a remote, two-day produce safety training workshop via Zoom from May 29-30.
The training will provide attendees with important information on best practices, worker health, hygiene and training, soil amendments and more.
Registration is $25 per person for Arkansas residents and $100 per person for out-of-state residents. The deadline to register is May 22, and there are 20 seats available in the training. Participants must have access to Zoom software, a web camera, microphone and stable internet access. Register at uaex.uada.edu/producesafety.
Rip Weaver, extension program technician for local, regional and safe foods for the Division of Agriculture, said his team looks forward to hosting the remote training.
“We know this is a busy time for Arkansas growers,” Weaver said. “We hope that by splitting the training into two half-days, attendees will still have a good portion of their days to tend to their responsibilities on their farms and food businesses.”
Participant attendance and engagement will be monitored during the training. Participants are only eligible for PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion if they are present for all modules of the course.
“This program is targeted to commercial produce growers, but small or beginning farms can learn valuable information for building their operations,” said Amanda Philyaw Perez, extension associate professor of food systems and food safety specialist for the Division of Agriculture. “Farmers who have previously attended this training should plan to attend a training about every three years to stay up to date on the latest regulatory information.”
The training, developed by the Produce Safety Alliance and presented by the Cooperative Extension Service’s Arkansas Produce Safety Team, teaches growers about regulatory requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. FSMA is the first federally regulated standard for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fresh produce.
For more information, contact Rip Weaver at rweaver@uada.edu or 501-671-2388.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Alligators a steady presence in Arkansas
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas is known as the “natural state” for a reason, and the abundant wildlife is a major contributor to the reputation. Lions and tigers, not so much. Bears — sure, here and there. But for residents across the state’s southern tier of counties, alligators make more than the occasional appearance.
KNOW YOUR ZONE — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has established fize management zones in Arkansas, three of which alllow permitted hunts in September each year. (Graphic courtesy AGFC.)
In Miller County, for example, spotting the occasional reptile is just part of life. Jen Caraway, Miller County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said they’re not uncommon in areas where waterways are essential to agricultural operations.
“There’s not much you can do if you encounter one, other than stay clear and call it in,” Caraway said.
Decades ago, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in the United States were hunted nearly to extinction. In 1973, they were identified in the Endangered Species Act, but were ultimately removed from the list in 1987 once their population numbers rebounded.
Becky McPeake, extension wildlife biologist for the Division of Agriculture, said alligators have managed to thrive throughout much of the south in the intervening years.
“We’ve had great success reintroducing them to Arkansas,” McPeake said. The state lies at the northern edge of the animal’s natural range, she said, with most of the northern half of Arkansas being simply too cool an environment for alligators to survive.
Sometimes, McPeake said, alligators are just part of the neighborhood, including one known specimen that nests near a site of frequent field research.
“Whenever we go out there to do any kind of research or environmental survey, the first thing we do is locate it," she said. "Once we know where it is, we can avoid it.
“Honestly, they prefer to avoid people,” McPeake said. “It’s when they become used to being around people that they become dangerous. Some people want to feed them for some strange reason. Please don’t. It can have terrible consequences for both people and pets.”
McPeake said that if a person spots an alligator, they should stay at least 60 feet away from it, whether it’s on land or in a body of water. She said that one way to help livestock avoid crossing paths with alligators is to make sure they have their own secure sources of drinking water.
“We recommend that producers maintain water tanks for their livestock, rather than letting the livestock drink from ponds,” she said.
In November 2023, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, introduced a new nuisance wildlife hotline. The number, 833-345-0315, is intended to respond to reports of wildlife that may pose a threat to people, livestock or property. The number is monitored 24 hours a day.
The commission has published annual Alligator Management Reports since 2007 and has records of alligator nuisance reports dating back to 2000. In that year, the commission reported 11 nuisance reports across the state’s five alligator management zones. The number has varied year to year, peaking in 2009 with 108 complaints across all three zones. In 2023, the commission reported 57 alligator nuisance complaints.
Among the five alligator management zones, alligator sport hunting is only allowed in the three southern-most zones (Zone 4 includes about a dozen counties in the northeastern corner of the state; Zone 5 includes most of the counties covering the northwestern third of the state).
Alligator hunting on public lands is limited to Alligator Management Zone 1, the southwest corner of the state, and Zone 3, the southeast corner of the state. These permits are drawn, so some luck is involved. Alligator hunting on private land is allowed in any of the three zones, including Alligator Management Zone 2, which encompasses more than 16 counties in central and south-central Arkansas. Private Land Alligator Permits can be purchased outright.
The hunting dates for either permit include two four-day periods in mid-September. In 2023, Arkansas hunters set a record for alligator harvest, bagging 202 alligators on public and private lands.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives and celebrating recovery from mental illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23% of Arkansans reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders from March to April of this year, which is 2 percentage points higher than the national average.
The Arkansas General Assembly has been proactive in addressing mental health needs in the state. Earlier this year, the Arkansas Legislative Council allocated $30 million from the American Rescue Plan funds, following a request from the Department of Human Services, to enhance mental health and substance abuse services statewide.
During the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 513, which directs the Arkansas Medicaid Program to provide a supplemental reimbursement rate for physician practices enrolled in the patient-centered medical home program participating in a team-based, evidence-based pediatric practice transformation model of care.
Additional legislation passed to address mental healthcare includes:
· Act 260: Creates the Counseling Compact in Arkansas, allowing licensed professional counselors in the state to treat clients in person or via telehealth in other compact member states. Currently, 17 states are members.
· Act 494: Requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program and insurance policies to reimburse for behavioral health services.
· Act 316: Mandates screening for depression in birth mothers at the time of birth and requires insurance policies to cover the screening.
· Act 30: Permits individuals who voluntarily seek mental health treatment in an institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment.
· Act 61: Establishes a specialty court program for families involved in dependency-neglect proceedings affected by substance abuse or mental health disorders.
· Act 512: Creates the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health to continue reviewing the state's needs and make recommendations for future legislative sessions.
We remind Arkansans that if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis, you can call 988. By calling, texting, or chatting 988, you will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing lifeline network.
‘Cicadapolcalypse Now’ as emergence begins in Arkansas
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — Maybe you haven’t seen them, with their dark green hard-shell bodies and large red eyes, but you may be hearing the trademark buzzsaw sound of the cicada.
The insects have made headlines for months because of the emergence of two broods — an occurrence two centuries in the making — is expected to bring astronomical numbers of these insects above ground. The group of cicadas known as Brood XIX emerge every 13 years. This is also the year for Brood XIII, to emerge after 17 years underground.
“Over the next few months, people in the South will witness the emergence of the largest brood of periodical cicadas in the country, spanning parts of 16 states,” said Jon Zawislak, extension urban entomologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“The insect army poised to invade are still nymphs, in the very last stage of their development,” he said “After feeding on fluids from tree roots for 13 years, slowly growing and molting underground, they will make their debut by crawling up and out of the soil when it warms to about 64 degrees Fahrenheit and is softened by rains.”
The two broods are only likely to overlap geographically in southern Illinois. The last time this occurred was 221 years ago, coinciding with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Jon Zawislak. (U of A System Division of Agriuclture file photo)
Some of the insects are making their presence known. According to iNaturalist.org, app users have reported cicadas north of the Ozarks, in the Ouachita Mountains, around and east of Jonesboro and scattered in southern Arkansas around Crossett, Warren and Camden.
The adult cicadas pose no threat to people, pets or livestock. They don’t sting and don’t bite.
“Mature adults don’t feed and don’t even have functional mouthparts with which to bite,” Zawislak said. “Having spent the last 13 years doing little more than eat, they emerge with the single-minded goal of making more cicadas.”
The buzzing is the male’s way of attracting a female. After mating, the female cicada saws a shallow crevice into a tree branch, where she deposits up to 20 eggs. She will repeat this process, producing up to 600 eggs over three to four weeks.
After about six weeks, the eggs hatch and the nymphs drop to the ground and land unhurt because of their small size.
“They quickly burrow into the soil and will tap into plant and tree roots to feed on the xylem almost right away,” Zawislak said. “They will continue to feed like this, sometimes moving to new food sources as they slowly mature. These nymphs will grow and molt four times over the next 13 years, when it’s time for the next generation to emerge.”
See Zawislak’s piece online. Learn more about insects in general by signing up for the pest management newsletter.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Severe weather likely in Arkansas beginning Wednesday evening; briefing updated
Severe storms are expected to fire across Arkansas this afternoon into the overnight hours.
Chances for severe weather will increase through the day 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 this afternoon and overnight. 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.
On Thursday, storms will be mostly south of Arkansas but could impact far southern portions of the state. Damaging winds and large hail would be the main hazards.
Minor updates have been made by the National Weather Service in Little Rock, AR.
They include the addition of NW Arkansas to the Tornado Outlook and Overnight Timing Graphics.
Storms are expected to initially develop by early evening across northern and western Arkansas. These storms will be capable of all severe weather hazards. The storms will gradually shift eastward through the evening hours with the very large hail threat becoming slightly lower. The damaging wind and isolated tornado threat will persist. Activity should make it east of the Mississippi River by daybreak Thursday.
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 for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
There is a potential for severe weather today through Wednesday. The greatest risk of severe storms in Arkansas will be on Wednesday.
In the near term, an outbreak of severe weather is expected in the Plains today. A line of strong/severe storms will approach northwest Arkansas tonight, but should weaken as it progresses into the state during the predawn hours Tuesday. Additional isolated to scattered thunderstorms will pop up Tuesday afternoon, but any severe weather will be spotty.
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, including tornadoes. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flash flooding.
Severe Weather Briefing from the NWS Little Rock
A northward lifting warm front on Friday, in tandem with an approaching dryline from the west in eastern Oklahoma, will initiate an opportunity for strong to severe thunderstorms to develop and move into Arkansas.
All modes of severe weather will be possible from large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes.
Excessive rainfall will also accompany this system which will present the risk for flash flooding, especially in vulnerable locations for flash flooding as early as Thursday through Friday night.