Special Weather Statement Issued for Lonoke, Prairie, Pulaski, and White Counties, Arkansas: 50 MPH Winds Expected
Strong Thunderstorms Moving Across Central Arkansas
Residents across Lonoke, Prairie, Pulaski, and White counties in Arkansas should remain alert after the National Weather Service in Little Rock issued a Special Weather Statement for a strong thunderstorm capable of producing wind gusts up to 50 mph. The storm is expected to bring dangerous conditions, including heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and isolated tree damage.
While this storm is not currently severe warned, wind gusts of 50 mph are strong enough to break tree limbs, blow around unsecured outdoor objects, and create hazardous travel conditions.
Primary Hazards
The strongest thunderstorms may produce:
- Wind gusts up to 50 mph
- Torrential rainfall reducing visibility
- Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning
- Small tree limbs and branches falling
- Minor power outages in isolated areas
- Difficult driving conditions on area roads
Motorists should slow down during heavy rain and avoid driving through water-covered roadways.
How to Prepare Before the Storm Arrives
Now is the time to take simple precautions that can help protect your family and property:
- Secure patio furniture, trash cans, and other loose outdoor items.
- Charge cell phones and essential electronic devices.
- Move vehicles into a garage or away from large trees if possible.
- Stay indoors and avoid windows while thunderstorms are nearby.
- Monitor weather alerts through NOAA Weather Radio, trusted weather apps, or local emergency officials.
- If thunder roars, go indoors immediately. Lightning can strike several miles from the storm.
Safety During Strong Thunderstorms
Strong thunderstorms can become dangerous with little warning. If conditions worsen:
- Stay inside a sturdy building.
- Avoid using corded electrical appliances during lightning.
- Never shelter beneath trees.
- If driving, reduce speed and pull over safely if visibility becomes too poor.
- Never drive through flooded roads—just a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Stay Weather Aware
Weather conditions across central Arkansas may continue to change as thunderstorms move through the region. Continue monitoring forecasts and any additional watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Even storms below severe warning criteria can still produce damaging wind gusts and dangerous lightning.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
