South Arkansas Weather Alert: What You Missed While You Slept Could Have Been Deadly

It was a tense night across Desha and Drew Counties as families watched the skies and checked their phones for updates. The words South Arkansas Weather Alert weren’t just another headline—they were a wake-up call. Late Friday evening, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area, warning that potentially dangerous weather could roll through at any moment.

That warning turned into hours of uncertainty. As the storm system moved across the region, local officials urged everyone to stay indoors and be ready for the worst. With strong winds, large hail, the threat of flash floods, and even the possibility of tornadoes, it wasn’t the kind of night you could sleep through easily.

By early Saturday morning, the worst had passed. The storm watch officially expired at 5:00 a.m., and Desha County residents woke up to calm skies and cooler temperatures around 63 degrees. Just a short drive away, Drew County was still dealing with leftover thunderstorms and warmer air at around 74 degrees. It’s a reminder of how wildly weather can vary from one town to the next—and how important it is to stay tuned in when things start to shift.

Even though this particular South Arkansas Weather Alert has ended, forecasters are already tracking the next system. Right now, all eyes are on Tuesday, May 20. That day could bring more severe storms, with threats similar to what we just experienced—damaging winds, heavy rain, large hail, and yes, maybe more tornado warnings.

If you’re in South Arkansas, now is the time to prepare—not panic. Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked, your devices are charged, and your weather alerts are turned on. Storms like these are part of life here, but they don’t have to catch us off guard.

To stay ahead of the next round of weather, keep checking updates from the National Weather Service office in Little Rock at weather.gov/lzk. The best thing you can do when severe weather is in the forecast? Stay alert, stay informed, and take every warning seriously. It could make all the difference.

FAQ About South Arkansas Weather

1. What areas were affected by the South Arkansas Weather Alert?
The severe weather alert was issued for several counties in southeastern Arkansas, with Desha and Drew Counties right in the center of the action. Nearby places like Bradley and Calhoun Counties were also on alert. The watch stayed in effect until 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, keeping many folks up late, checking the radar and hoping for the best.

2. What kind of weather were we dealing with?
This wasn’t just your average spring rainstorm. The forecast included damaging winds, hail big enough to cause damage, flash flooding, and even the chance of tornadoes. People were urged to stay inside, stay alert, and be ready to move to safety quickly if things turned worse.

3. Is the danger over now?
For now, yes—things have calmed down since the watch expired early Saturday morning. Desha County woke up to clear skies and cooler air, while Drew County was still shaking off a few leftover storms. But don’t let your guard down just yet—more rough weather is on the horizon, with Tuesday, May 20 looking like another day to watch closely.

4. What should I be doing to get ready for the next round of storms?
Good question—and the best time to prepare is before the weather gets bad. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Make sure your phone gets emergency alerts

• Put together a basic emergency kit (think flashlights, batteries, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit)

• Know where your safe spot is in your house (away from windows, preferably on the lowest level)

• Talk with your family about what to do if a warning is issued while you’re apart

5. Where can I get the latest updates if another storm rolls in?
The National Weather Service office in Little Rock is a reliable go-to. Their website at weather.gov/lzk posts real-time alerts, forecasts, and safety info. You can also follow local news stations, weather apps, or even emergency services on social media to stay in the loop.