Severe weather in forecast for much of Arkansas this weekend
Much of Arkansas could possibly see severe weather and storms on Friday and Sunday, the National Weather Service said.
“All modes of severe weather will be possible from large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes,” the weather service said in a hazardous weather briefing on Wednesday.
“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,” the briefing stated.
Justin Condry, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in North Little Rock, said that a concern on Friday was hail.
“We’re seeing the possibilities of really large hail, as big as a golf ball,” Condry said. “The chance of damaging winds are there too and while we can’t rule out a tornado, the chances for one is lower than other modes of severe weather at this time.”
The northwestern half of Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Conway and Hot Springs, is at a slight risk of severe weather, Condry said.
A slight risk of severe weather is defined by the weather service as “isolated to scattered severe storms are expected,” an earlier post from the weather service on X said.
Parts of eastern and Central Arkansas, including Jonesboro and Pine Bluff, are at a marginal risk for severe weather.
A marginal risk for severe weather means isolated severe storms are possible, the post said.
Little Rock is right on the cusp between a slight and marginal risk, the weather service said.
“The Metro area is right on that cusp, but these forecasts are for Friday so there is a chance of an expansion or collapse of these areas,” Condry said. “It is still possible we see an isolated severe storm.”
Condry also said the weather service is monitoring the risk of excessive rainfall.
“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,” the briefing stated.
“It is a big concern that could lead to flash flooding and pooling on roads that would impact travel,” Condry said. “Especially during this Friday time frame where people may have plans or are heading out to start their weekend early.”
Little Rock is set to see up to three inches of rain through Sunday and other parts of the state might see four inches, the forecaster said.
Saturday is wedged between the two sets of storms, but will be humid.
“It won’t be nice and sunny on Saturday,” Condry said. “It will be humid because of the air mass that will be sitting on top of the state and Little Rock will get near the mid 80s.”
The forecaster also said Saturday would be gusty with a chance of showers.
“Winds could be as strong as 25 mph in Little Rock with gusts up to 30 mph,” he said.
Chances for severe weather return on Sunday for much of Arkansas, including Little Rock, the briefing said.
“It will be similar but Sunday looks a little more concerning,” Condry said. “It is looking to be an afternoon or evening storm that could be a harder hitter.”
The chance for tornadoes will still be low, but higher than the chances on Friday, he said.
The forecaster said that Arkansans should stay weather aware and check for updates as Friday approaches.
“And make sure to have a plan in place should you get a severe thunderstorm warning or even a tornado warning,” Condry said.