Tornado Watch Issued for Central Arkansas
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: April 16, 2012
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the majority of the state including Central Arkansas until midnight.
Only a few counties in the corners of the state aren't included in this latest watch.
"This doesn't necessarily imply an outbreak but the criteria is that the Storm Prediction Center expects at least the possibility of 2 or more tornadoes," said Chief KARK 4 Meteorologist Keith Monahan. "Damaging winds will still be the most likely primary mode."
(A text alert was sent out that incorrectly identified the watch as a warning)
Original Story:
Gusty winds are expected across Central Arkansas today as a storm system gains strength over the Plains States.
According to the National Weather Service, wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph will be common with gusts occasionally reaching up 40 mph. A lake wind advisory is in effect for a large part of the Natural State through Sunday evening.
A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is expected for all of Arkansas today and tonight, according to the NWS. Chances of showers and thunderstorms will increase through the day. Large hail and damaging winds in excess of 70 mph are the main threats. Isolated tornadoes are possible as well.
KARK Meteorologist Greg Dee says the risk for tornadoes in Central Arkansas appears to be low.
The greatest threat for severe weather appears to be south and west of a line from Waldron to Clarksville to Little Rock to El Dorado.
"The timing on the storms hasn't changed much," said Dee. "Look for them to affect western Arkansas this morning. They'll approach the western areas of central Arkansas by 1pm and central Arkansas this afternoon into the early evening. Eastern Arkansas will see storms after sunset. The highest threat for tornadoes will be in NW Arkansas this morning and again near and after sunset across the eastern 1/3 of the state tonight. "
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