Heavy rain is expected with a system moving into Arkansas this week, the National Weather Service said Sunday.
Flash flood watches set to go into effect Monday afternoon were issued Sunday for a large swath of central, north central, southwest, western and Northwest Arkansas. Little Rock and Pulaski County were included in the watch area.
"Showers and thunderstorms will be scattered across the state on Monday afternoon," John Robinson, warning coordination meteorologist with the weather service in North Little Rock, said in an email. "Coverage will increase greatly Monday night and continue at least through Tuesday into Tuesday night. Some rain could very well linger into Wednesday."
Widespread totals of up to 3 inches of rain are likely with some areas, particularly in western Arkansas, seeing 5 or more inches, Robinson added. Northwest Arkansas also may seem some thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail Monday afternoon into evening.
Robinson said some thunderstorms could also "pop up" Sunday, though "chances of any severe weather are rather low."