LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Forecasters have issued a tornado watch for several eastern Arkansas counties, while the western part of the state is at risk for wildfires.
The National Weather Service says the tornado watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday for Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett and St Francis counties. Severe storms are expected to move through the area later Tuesday, but the Storm Prediction Center says the greatest risk for tornadoes is in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
In western Arkansas, a red flag warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday because of mild temperatures, low humidity and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Forecasters say any fire that starts will likely spread quickly, and outdoor burning is discouraged.