Severe storms expected this afternoon in parts of state

Severe storms are possible in parts of Arkansas as a system moves in Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

John Robinson, warning coordination meteorologist with the weather service in North Little Rock, said in an email that "at least a few" severe storms are likely with the best chances coming in the eastern half of Arkansas.

The weather service's Storm Prediction Center has roughly that region under a slight risk for severe storms. Damaging winds are more likely than large hail, Robinson wrote, adding that some storms could drop more than an inch of rain. There is not thought to be a risk for any tornadoes.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 1:23 p.m. Monday for Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Logan, Lonoke, Monroe, Montgomery, Newtown, Perry, Polk, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, White, Woodruff and Yell counties in effect until 8 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service at 1:10 p.m. for Newton and Searcy counties, in effect until 2 p.m.

Cooler air will arrive after the storms. The weather service is predicting high temperatures in the low to mid-80s through Friday and overnight lows in the 60s. A low of 61 is forecast Tuesday night in Little Rock.

More showers and thunderstorms, meanwhile, are likely Wednesday night through Thursday night.

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