After a quiet stretch with little severe weather, Region 8 is now under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms on Thursday afternoon. The main concern is for a few storms capable of producing large hail, and forecasters say an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
The risk covers all Arkansas counties in Region 8, while southern Missouri is under a Level 1 out of 5 threat. The setup points to an afternoon and early evening window, with the most active weather expected to move from west to east across the area.
What the forecast is showing
Storm development is expected to begin shortly after the lunch hour, but coverage should stay limited. That means some communities may see no rain at all, while others could be hit by a strong to severe cell.
The timing is still uncertain because storm coverage is not expected to be widespread. Even so, any storm that does form could intensify quickly and bring hazardous conditions in a short period of time.
Expected timing by area
- West of I-57: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- East of I-57: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Best chance for severe weather: Thursday afternoon into early evening
The west-to-east progression means some locations will see storms earlier, while others may not be affected until later in the day. Forecasters note that exact timing could still shift as new data comes in.
Main hazards to watch
Large hail is the primary threat, and some hailstones could exceed 2 inches in diameter. That size of hail can damage vehicles, break windows, and harm crops and outdoor property.
The tornado threat remains low, but it is not zero. Meteorologists say a rotating storm is possible, and any tornado that does form would likely be brief and weak.
Who is under the threat area
All Arkansas counties in Region 8 are included in the Level 2 risk. Southern Missouri sits just below that at Level 1, which still supports the chance of a few strong storms.
That setup often signals scattered severe weather rather than a widespread outbreak. Even so, limited storm coverage does not reduce the potential impact for the areas that are hit.
How to stay updated
Residents are being urged to monitor forecast updates through the K8 Storm Team during morning, midday, and evening newscasts. Weather coverage is also available on K8 ABC and K8 NBC, along with the station’s website, mobile apps, and streaming platforms.
A quick device reboot before storms arrive can help reduce delays on streaming services and mobile devices. That step can make it easier to get live warnings and updated forecasts when conditions change quickly.
