Storms expected to move through Arkansas today have the potential to turn severe, especially over the southeast half of the state, forecasters said Friday.
The National Weather Service said damaging winds are the primary threat with storms expected in the late morning and early afternoon.
"Any cells that develop ahead of the main area of storms will carry an increased risk of tornadoes," the weather service said in a news release.
Parts of southeast and eastern Arkansas are under an enhanced risk for severe weather; the Little Rock area is under a slight risk.
Parts of the state could see as much as 3 inches of additional rainfall through tonight, the weather service said. More than two dozen counties, including Pulaski, are under a flash flood watch.
Officials also are keeping an eye on river levels, particularly in northeast Arkansas, where water levels are higher than normal.
Jackson County officials are paying close attention to a damaged levee on the swollen White River after 6 inches of rain fell last week. The rainfall raised the river to flood stage, weakening the levee further and putting some 30 homes downstream at risk.
The Arkansas National Guard and county crews have worked to fortify an eroding structure near Newport in anticipation of additional rainfall this weekend.
Crews covered the levee in plastic to slow further erosion created by the faster currents, and helicopters were used to pile more than 60 sandbags around the structure.
State Desk on 02/23/2019