Storms expected to continue into weekend
10 to 12 inches of rain in the forecast
By Donald Wilburn
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
If you were hoping for a calm and dry weekend, Mother Nature has other plans.
Continuing from last night’s storms, Crittinden County will be in the path of more po-
See STORMS, page A8
Photo by Don Wilburn STORMS
From page A1
tentially severe weather, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, damaging winds and even the possibility of yet another round of tornadoes today and into the weekend.
The National Weather Service has placed the area under an enhanced risk category, meaning there's a Level 3 out of 5 chance for severe storms beginning with the deluge that blew through Wednesday evening. Thunderstorms could bring large hail and strong winds, wit h the potential for dangerous conditions extending into Thursday.
Flooding could also be a major issue. Forecasters expect between six to eight (and some models showing 10 to 12) inches of rain to drench the region from Wednesday through Sunday.
On top of that, a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall has been issued for Saturday, with the heaviest downpours expected slightly northwest of the area.
Severe weather chances remain in place for Friday and Saturday, with at least a 15 percentage chance of storms strong enough to cause damage.
Thursday’s forecast brings more showers and another round of storms, with highs in the upper 70s. That same temperature range sticks around Friday and Saturday, both of which are expected to be stormy. By Sunday, the rain should ease up, but skies will stay mostly cloudy, and temperatures will drop into the low 60s.
Crittenden County Emergency Management, in partnership with the Marion High School Athletic Department and the City of Marion, is offering a sandbag filling station to help residents prepare for the incoming weather event over the next few days.
Sandbags at the Marion Sports Complex fairground, located at the asphalt lot in front of the Esperanza stage are available for residents living in low-lying or floodprone areas anywhere in Crittenden County. Those at risk are encouraged to pick up sandbags. They are available to all county residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
If pre-filled bags run out, residents should be prepared to fill their own. Bags, shovels, and sand will be provided onsite.
Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor weather updates and be prepared for potential flooding and power outages.
Storm season is here, and it’s not pulling any punches.
