Residents in Fort Smith and surrounding areas of Sebastian County were placed under a tornado warning at 7:49 pm CDT. A severe thunderstorm moving northwest at 15 mph over Excelsior, Arkansas, posed a risk of creating a tornado at any time, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The tornado warning is in place until 8:30 pm CDT. Affected areas include Fort Smith, Greenwood, Barling, Hackett, Excelsior, Fort Smith Regional Airport, Burnville, Jenny Lind, Millcreek, and Rye Hill, as well as Interstate 540 between mile markers 6 and 13.
Residents caught without shelter may be at risk of harm or injury from flying debris, and NWS warned of potential damage or destruction to mobile homes, vehicles, windows, and roofs. Trees are also at risk of damage and uprooting.
Emergency officials advised residents in the warning area to move immediately to the lowest floor of a sturdy structure, as mobile homes and temporary structures offer little protection during tornadic storms.
Weather officials continue to monitor radar data closely and may issue additional warnings if storms intensify or new areas become threatened.
