National Weather Service kicks off Arkansas Severe Weather Awareness Week
Annual campaign aims to educate residents ahead of spring storm season
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - As spring approaches, the National Weather Service is launching its annual effort to prepare residents for the dangers of severe weather.
Arkansas’ and Missouri’s Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from March 1-7 and will focus on a different hazard each day, from tornadoes, to flooding, and severe thunderstorms. The campaign is designed to educate residents about the dangers of impactful spring weather and encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property before the state’s peak severe weather season.
“Our goal is to educate and inform the public about the dangers of severe weather and to encourage them to take the necessary steps to prepare and protect themselves and their property before the upcoming peak severe weather season,” said Dennis Cavanaugh, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Little Rock.
Monday’s topic: flooding
During Severe Weather Awareness Week, the National Weather Service urges Arkansans to learn about flooding hazards, understand warning systems, and take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Whether you live near the Arkansas River, White River, or any of Arkansas’ smaller streams and tributaries, flooding presents a serious risk. By understanding the difference between watches and warnings, and by having a family plan in place, you can significantly increase your chances of survival.
The impact of flooding in Arkansas
Flooding in Arkansas has caused devastating losses throughout the state’s history. According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, more than 50% of flood-related deaths nationally occur when people are driving through flooded roadways.
Types of flooding
Flash Flooding: Flash floods occur suddenly, usually within hours of excessive heavy rainfall. They become quick moving walls of water, ripping through neighborhoods, streets and valleys, and flooding roadways. Flash flooding can develop within minutes, giving little time to react. Flash floods can also occur with a dam or levee failure. Heavy rain should be a signal that alerts you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.
River Flooding: River flooding occurs when heavy rain and runoff fill river basins with water too quickly. Unlike flash floods, river flooding typically develops over hours or days as water levels gradually rise along rivers and streams. The slower onset allows for more advance warning but can result in prolonged flooding that lasts for days or weeks.
NWS warning and watch products: know the difference
The National Weather Service issues flood alerts at different confidence levels. Understanding these distinctions is critical.
“Take Action” products
Flash Flood Emergency: Issued for exceedingly rare situations when extremely heavy rain is leading to a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon. This is the most dire flood alert the NWS issues. Emergency officials are typically reporting life-threatening water rises resulting in water rescues and evacuations. If you receive a Flash Flood Emergency, evacuate immediately.
Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely. Leave the area immediately or move to higher ground. Do not wait for further instructions.
Flood Warning: Flooding poses a serious threat to life and/or property. Prepare to evacuate or move to higher ground. Monitor conditions closely. River flood warnings include stage, or water level, forecasts.
Flood Advisory: Flooding will cause significant inconvenience but may not pose an immediate threat to life. Stay informed and be ready to move if conditions worsen.
“Be Prepared” products
Flash Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flash flooding but it is not certain or imminent. Review your emergency plan, charge devices, gather supplies, and stay alert for updates.
Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flooding, but it is not certain. Prepare your emergency kit, know evacuation routes, and plan how to move to safety if a warning is issued.
Before a flood: preparation and planning
The time to prepare for flooding is now, not when a watch or warning is issued.
Make a plan: Know if you live in a floodplain by checking msc.fema.gov. Identify at least two evacuation routes and establish a meeting place where family members will reunite if separated.
Get prepared to receive alerts: Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio with alert capability. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your smartphone. Don’t rely on just one alert source.
Assemble an emergency kit: Include bottled water, one gallon per person per day for several days. Include non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents in waterproof containers.
Consider flood insurance: Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. Flood insurance policies take 30 days to become effective. Visit floodsmart.gov for more information.
During a flood: critical safety actions
If you’re outside, never drive through flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet. Twelve inches of water can carry away most vehicles. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Remember: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Do not walk through floodwaters. If you become trapped, call 911 and wait for rescue.
Practice electrical safety: Do not touch electrical equipment if water covers outlets or cords are submerged. Do not wade through standing water—it may be electrically charged.
Week-long schedule of topics
Each day this week, the K8 Weather Team and the National Weather Service will highlight the weather events below.
Sunday, March 1: Introduction to Severe Weather Awareness Week
Monday, March 2: Flooding
Tuesday, March 3: Storm Prediction Center outlook changes for 2026
Wednesday, March 4: Tornadoes
Thursday, March 5: Severe thunderstorms
Friday, March 6: Watches and warnings
Saturday, March 7: Storm reports
Where to get information:
The K8 Storm Team will be posting daily updates about the topics for each day as well as streaming interviews on K8 Now.
Residents can also find more information about Arkansas’ Severe Weather Awareness Week and severe weather preparation on the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Little Rock website.
Be sure to follow the K8 Storm team on social media:
@MeteorologistKristinaBalentine
The National Weather Service offices serving Region 8 also maintain active social media accounts on Facebook and X:
You will find more information throughout the week on K8 News and on our streaming platform K8 Now.
To report a typo or correction, please click here.
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