If you’re anywhere in central or northeast Arkansas this morning, consider yourself officially warned: a strong storm system is moving in fast, and it’s bringing damaging winds, large hail, and the threat of flash flooding before many even finish breakfast. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for multiple counties across the state until 9:00 a.m. CDT, and weather officials are urging people to stay inside, stay alert, and stay off the roads if they can.
This is not your average spring rain. Forecasters are warning that conditions are just right for dangerous gusts of wind, hailstones big enough to cause real damage, and short bursts of torrential rain that could lead to sudden street flooding, especially in rural and low-lying areas.
Counties in the Crosshairs
The watch zone includes the following counties:
Faulkner, White, Baxter, Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Sharp, Conway, Cleburne, and Randolph.
Residents in these counties are advised to monitor the skies, check their local emergency alerts, and take shelter at the first sign of lightning or strong winds.
What This Storm Could Bring
The primary risks associated with this weather system include:
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Winds up to 60 MPH: Strong enough to knock down trees, rip off shingles, and create flying debris hazards.
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Large Hail: Forecasters say hail could dent cars, crack windows, and cause serious agricultural damage.
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Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding: Urban areas and smaller towns with poor drainage may see sudden street flooding, making some roads temporarily impassable.
These are fast-developing storms, and what may look like a brief shower can quickly evolve into a severe thunderstorm.
What You Should Do Right Now
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Stay indoors, preferably in an interior room away from windows.
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Secure loose items like trash cans, patio furniture, and flags — anything the wind could turn into a projectile.
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Charge your phone and emergency gear — power outages are possible.
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Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary; roads can flood quickly, and visibility may drop suddenly during heavy rain.
Storms of this kind tend to catch people off guard — especially early in the morning. It’s critical to be proactive rather than reactive.
Could More Storms Hit Later?
Yes. While this morning’s thunderstorm watch ends at 9 a.m., forecasters are keeping an eye on the skies into the afternoon and evening. The atmosphere is unstable, and that means additional waves of storms could redevelop, especially as temperatures rise and humidity lingers.
Meteorologists are urging Arkansans to keep their weather radios and alert systems on all day, especially if they’re planning outdoor activities or travel.
