Arkansas at Risk for Flash Floods, Tornadoes from Isaac

A flash flood watch covers much of Arkansas as what is now Tropical Storm Isaac lumbers toward the state. Forecasters also said Isaac’s storm cells have the potential to quickly spin off tornadoes that in some cases could develop too quickly for warnings to be issued.

The National Weather Service says the remnants of Isaac — which will likely be a tropical depression at that point — will move north over parts of Arkansas late Thursday through much of Friday. It is expected to move into southern Missouri Friday night.

Forecasters say heavy rainfall is possible with 2 or 4 inches expected for much of Arkansas. The weather service says some areas could see 5 inches of rain or more by Friday night.

Now, forecasters expect the heaviest rainfall will happen in the western two-thirds of the state, but it’s still unclear what track Isaac will take. The weather service says the hilly terrain in parts of western Arkansas increases the risk of flash flooding.

Wind speeds are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.