ARKANSAS, USA — A severe weather threat is increasing across 5COUNTRY—Northwest Arkansas, the River Valley, and parts of Oklahoma— on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
Off and on downpours are expected through the day Wednesday. The threat for enhanced thunderstorm activity is possible Wednesday evening as a stronger wave moves through.
Check back in with the 5NEWS Weather Team as we update you throughout the day to prepare for possible threats in our viewing area.
Update as of 5:30 p.m.:
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for the following counties across 5COUNTRY:
- Carroll
- Benton
- Crawford
- Madison
- Washington
- Sebastian
- Franklin
- Sequoyah
- Le Flore
- Muskogee
- Cherokee
Until 10 p.m.
What to watch for
If clouds stay thick across 5COUNTRY and morning showers linger through the afternoon, than our severe threat will be lowered this evening.
If rain moves out and sunshine mixes in, then the severe weather chances will likely increase.
Storm timing
Northwest Arkansas:
- Earliest is 8 - 9 p.m.
- Most likely will last from 9 p.m. to midnight
River Valley:
- Earliest is 8:30 p.m.
- Mostly likely will last from 9 p.m. to midnight
Tap here to check our interactive weather radar.
We'll take a break from the active pattern Thursday, before we jump back into more morning shower chances Friday into early next week.
Latest forecast:
Severe chances increase late Wednesday
The Storm Predication Center has highlighted 5COUNTRY as an area for potential severe weather Wednesday evening. A stronger storm system is expected to swing through later in the day, and we could be in for an active evening.
Severe weather may not be widespread, but a few severe storms may have significant impacts with damaging wind gusts, large hail, and a stray tornado. All areas from the River Valley to Northwest Arkansas could be impacted by the severe weather.
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