Severe Weather Threat Increasing

The above image is the latest from the Ft. Smith, AR area doppler radar.  Thunderstorms are increasing in intensity over east-central Oklahoma at this time.  This trend is expected to continue (and increase) into the afternoon and evening hours.  The cells over McIntosh and Haskell counties are showing increasing signs of potential rotation, and should be monitored closely as they race toward the Arkansas border at nearly 60 mph.

A Tornado Watch has recently been issued for much of the region until 6pm CST:

The severe weather threat will spread Northeast across much of Arkansas and adjacent portions of Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi later this afternoon & evening.  As this occurs, the threat for potentially damaging tornadoes will increase into the evening hours.