Forecasters warn that a cold front moving across Arkansas on Tuesday night will make for an especially windy Wednesday.
Wind speeds will "increase markedly" between midnight and dawn and will stay high Wednesday morning, National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Robinson said. Gusts of 35 to 40 mph will occur in many parts of the state, with 45 mph gusts possible in east Arkansas, he said.
High-speed winds could cause power failures, particularly given the number of damaged tree limbs lingering after recent ice and snow, Robinson said. Further tree damage is possible, forecasters said.
In addition, the strong winds could make driving difficult, particularly for vehicles with high centers of gravity such as trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles.
A wind advisory covering most of Arkansas, including the central, northwest and north-central parts of the state, will go into effect midnight and continue through 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the weather service. Wind advisories go into effect when gusts of 35 mph are expected.