A big weather system is on its way, bringing rain and possibly some strong storms to Fayetteville and surrounding areas this week. The main event is expected late Wednesday into early Thursday, and some places—especially in the River Valley—could see severe weather.
The Setup
Right now, there’s a lot of energy building up over the southwestern United States. But that’s not all. Another system coming from the Pacific Northwest is expected to merge with it, creating a stronger storm setup. This combination will bring a big lift to the atmosphere, which often leads to stormy weather. The Ark-La-Tex region is expected to see some of the more intense effects.
What to Expect
On Wednesday, expect off-and-on rain throughout the day, along with some occasional rumbles of thunder. It won’t be anything too intense at first, but heavier rain is possible in some areas.
The bigger concern is for Thursday morning. That’s when this system will be at its strongest, bringing a much higher chance of severe weather. Right now, forecasters say the biggest risk is for parts of southern LeFlore County in Oklahoma and southern Scott County in Arkansas, but this could change as the system develops.
Along with the possibility of strong storms, heavy rainfall could lead to isolated flash flooding in the River Valley. The risk is even higher if storms keep moving over the same areas for an extended period.
The Timeline
- Wednesday: Light showers will start in the afternoon and continue through most of the day. A few storms could develop by nighttime.
- Thursday (Early Morning): Just after midnight, stronger storms will start rolling in. These could bring heavy downpours, increasing the risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Some storms might turn severe, so it’s a good idea to stay weather-aware overnight.
- Thursday (Afternoon): The worst of the weather should be winding down, but wet roads and lingering showers could still make travel tricky.
Stay Safe
If you live in a flood-prone area, keep an eye on weather updates and be ready to take precautions if flooding occurs. If you have to drive Thursday morning, be extra careful, as heavy rain could cause slick roads and low visibility.
Weather conditions can change quickly, so check for updates as the system moves in.
