The instruction from the Shreveport National Weather Service outlet today is to be weather alert and to have a plan for severe weather as storms are expected to come through the Southwest Arkansas area this afternoon and linger until early Friday.

Today’s forecast says, “Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.”

Moving into tonight, the forecast says, “Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Low around 48. Southeast wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southwest 25 to 30 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.”

Currently, both Hempstead and Nevada counties are under a Flood Watch until noon Friday. Howard County is also included. A Wind Advisory was just called for Hempstead, Nevada and several other south Arkansas counties. Expected impacts are the following: “...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. In addition, strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.”

Under the wind advisory the instructions are “Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Also, boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft.” Under the Flood Watch the instructions are to “monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.”