A flash flood watch has been issued in western and central Arkansas as a large storm system heads into the state.
The watch is in effect in western Arkansas on Thursday morning and will go into effect in central Arkansas, including the Little Rock area, on Thursday evening. The National Weather Service says widespread heavy rains are expected to affect the state from Thursday through Friday night.
"A stalled front to the north of Arkansas will gradually move back to the north," weather service warning coordination meteorologist John Robinson said in an email. "Meanwhile, areas of low pressure aloft will move across the state, causing rounds of showers and thunderstorms."
Robinson said it's "very likely" some areas will see flash flood warnings before the storm system moves out of the region Friday afternoon into Friday night.
Forecasters say some areas in central Arkansas could see 3 to 5 inches of rain from Thursday night until Friday night. The rain is also predicted in areas with hilly terrain, which increases the potential of flash flooding.
Arkansas Online contributed to this story.