The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for parts of eastern Arkansas that include Cotton Plant, Hunter and Fargo. It is in effect until 12:30 p.m.
A tornado warning for parts of the state including Brinkley and Fargo is in effect until noon, the National Weather Service said in a tweet just before 11:35 a.m.
A tornado warning for parts of Arkansas including Humphrey, Humnoke and Tucker has been issued by the National Weather Service. It will remain into effect until noon.
A tornado watch for parts of eastern, central and southeastern Arkansas is in effect until 4 p.m., the weather service said in a tweet just before 8:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Little Rock is included in this tornado watch.
Scattered hail of up to to 2 inches is likely, and winds as strong as 75 mph are possible. Tornadoes are also possible, the weather service said.
Another tornado watch for parts of western and northwestern Arkansas has been issued and is expected to remain in effect until noon on Wednesday, the weather service said in another tweet just before 5 a.m.
A line of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move eastward through the state during the morning hours of Wednesday, the weather service said on Twitter just before 6 a.m.
“Damaging winds will be the primary threat associated with this line, but isolated tornadoes and hail will also be possible,” the tweet said.
SCHOOL PLANS
The Pulaski County Special School district will not offer on-campus instruction on Wednesday due to the timing and path of severe storms, the district announced around 6:15 a.m.
"We feel this is the safest decision for our students, families and staff," the district said in a Facebook post.
The capital city district is operating on an "AMI" or alternative method of instruction schedule instead, meaning students should work from their homes today to complete assignments.
"We understand that some families still do not have power," the district posted on its social media accounts very early Wednesday morning. "Schools will work wth them regarding any assignments or other concerns."
Little Rock School District offices are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. unless developing weather conditions dictate otherwise.
North Little Rock School District campuses will also not provide on-campus instruction today.
The district announced earlier this morning that students will do their school work from their homes, making this an AMI or Alternate Method of Instruction day.
"We continue to monitor the weather," Superintendent Gregory Pilewski said in an early morning message to parents and the community. "Due to the prediction of severe weather occurring at our delayed start times," he said, students will complete assignments via Google Classroom. Virtual instruction will begin at delayed start times.
The delayed start times are as follows:
Pre-K/Elementary School: 10:20 a.m.
Middle School: 10:40 a.m.
High School: 11:10 a.m.
"In the event some of our students do not have power, Chromebook, wifi, etc.," students will have until Tuesday to complete assignments, he said. Principals will follow up with additional communication.
All 12-month employees will have up to 11:30 a.m. to report to their work sites. "Liberal leave is in effect," Pilewski said.