Arkansas in Forecast Zone for Tropical Storm Isaac

Arkansas is expected to see wind and rain from Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29.

Meteorologist Matthew Clay at the National Weather Service Office in North Little Rock said he would “expect parts of eastern Arkansas if not most of the state to see an impact.”

That could mean between 2 inches and 5 inches of rain and sustained winds of 20 mph to 30 mph, with higher gusts.

The forecast would include “semifavorable” conditions for tornadoes, Clay said, though he noted they’re difficult to forecast.

“They’re there one minute and gone the next,” he said.

The storm likely won’t bring enough rain to offset the summer’s drought conditions, Clay said.

“If we have that much rain, we’re going to have some major flooding on our hands,” he said.

About half of the state is in exceptional drought, and the period from April through July was the driest in the state’s recorded history.

Clay said that if Isaac reaches the state it will provide “minor relief” from the persistent dry conditions.