Arkansas Hit by Severe Weather Overnight, Tornado Watch in Effect

Tornado Spotted Live on Air

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 9, 2024) - After severe storms left damage across central Arkansas overnight, residents are facing another night of potential severe weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch for the area, effective until further notice.

The tornado watch area includes the following counties: Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, White, and Woodruff.

A tornado was spotted live on air by a weather presenter at a local television station in Jackson County. The tornado touched down near the town of Newport and moved northeast, damaging buildings and downing power lines.

The NWS is urging residents in the tornado watch area to take shelter immediately if they see signs of a tornado, such as a funnel cloud or debris rotating in the air. Residents should also monitor local news and weather reports for updates.

For more information on tornado safety, please visit the NWS website at www.weather.gov/safety/tornado.