Severe storms possible across state Thursday, Friday

Chances for severe weather are expected across the state Thursday and Friday as a cold front pushes through the region.

John Robinson, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Little Rock, said in an email Wednesday that storms should develop in Northwest Arkansas late Thursday afternoon and move across the state throughout the evening. Areas west of a line between El Dorado and Jonesboro, especially in western Arkansas, will have the greatest potential for hail and strong wind, "but a couple of tornadoes cannot be ruled out" as well, Robinson said.

Another round of potentially severe storms is expected to develop Friday afternoon and evening south of a line between Waldron and Hardy, Robinson said. Hail, strong wind and possible isolated tornadoes will also be the main threats of that system.

While some thunderstorms may occur Wednesday night into Thursday morning, Robinson said, they are not expected to be severe.

"Rainfall from tonight through Friday night should average 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches, with some local totals to at least 2 inches," Robinson said.

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