ARKANSAS — Strong to potentially intense storms could bring a tornado threat to parts of Arkansas on Monday as severe weather moves across the region, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
Forecasters say Arkansas is included in a broader severe weather outbreak expected from the mid-Mississippi Valley into the Mid-South, with conditions capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail.
While the highest risk for strong, long-track tornadoes is expected farther north into Missouri and Illinois, Arkansas could still see tornadoes develop, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Storms are expected to form as warm, moist air combines with strong wind shear — a key ingredient for rotating thunderstorms. Some of these storms could become supercells capable of producing tornadoes.
In addition to the tornado threat, hail up to 2 to 3 inches in diameter and damaging wind gusts are also possible across the state.
Forecasters say storms may organize into clusters by the evening, which could continue the threat of damaging winds and embedded tornadoes into the overnight hours.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings as conditions rapidly change.
