Severe thunderstorm warning issued

By ArkansasOnline

The National Weather Service in Little Rock has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of southern and central Arkansas until 5 p.m.

The warning is for southeastern Lonoke, southern Prairie, west central Monroe, western Arkansas, extreme west central Desha, eastern Jefferson, and northern Lincoln counties.

The National Weather Service Doppler radar was tracking an area of moderate to strong thunderstorms, mainly over Saline

County and far western Pulaski County. The area was moving southeast at 15 mph. The storms will produce heavy rain, possible small hail, wind gusts up to 30 mph and dangerous lightning. With the heavy rain, ponding of water on roads will be possible.

Also frequent dangerous lightning is occurring with this storm.

If on or near a lake, get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Lightning can strike out to 15 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Stay with ArkansasOnline for more on this developing story.