Heavy rainfall returns to the Natural State Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Little Rock.
The flash flood risk has increased across portions of western and northwestern Arkansas. The Excessive Rainfall Outlook has been upgraded to “moderate” for these areas.
No significant change to severe weather potential on Sunday, with much of the area still under a marginal risk. Isolated instances of marginally severe (1-inch) hail and some thunderstorm wind gusts to 60 mph will be possible, but widespread severe weather is unlikely.
A slow-moving frontal boundary will affect Arkansas on Sunday and Monday. Expect periods of showers and thunderstorms, with the axis of heaviest rainfall expected over the northwest third of the state.
The slow movement of the front, as well as showers and storms repeatedly moving over the same areas will allow for heavy rainfall, with flash flooding possible. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.
Amounts of 2-4 inches are expected, with localized heavier totals possible. Flood watches are in effect for about the northwest third of Arkansas beginning on Sunday morning and continuing through early afternoon Monday.
Also, there is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms, which would be on Sunday afternoon and night. Any stronger storms could produce gusty winds and marginally severe hail (generally 1” or less in diameter).
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