Through Saturday, severe thunderstorms are forecast for much of Arkansas, followed by bitter cold temperatures

According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, much of Arkansas can expect heavy rain and the occasional strong to severe thunderstorm on Friday evening before stronger, heavier storms hit on Saturday.

A portion of the state from its eastern border to its western border, including Mena, Little Rock, Russellville, Jonesboro and Batesville, will face light storms overnight on Friday, the weather service said. Strong winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail are possible. The risk of a tornado is very low.

Little risk of severe weather is expected for most of the rest of the state on Friday night.

A stronger storm line is expected to cross the state on Saturday, forecasters said. There is an increased risk of severe weather in eastern Arkansas, including Pine Bluff and West Memphis. Forecasters said the main concerns are noxious winds and isolated tornadoes.

Most of the state, including Little Rock, is expected to face a slight risk of severe weather on Saturday, the weather service said. In northwest Arkansas, however, the risk will be little to no risk.

Gallery: Storm forecast December 31st-Jan. 1

Temperatures are expected to drop significantly after the storms, with freezing Sunday morning lows in Arkansas and teenage winds for much of the state. Northwest Arkansas is expected to have the lowest temperatures, around 12-14 degrees, with sub-zero wind chills.

Forecasters said Little Rock is expected to bottom out around 25 on Sunday with a wind chill of 17.

Print Headline: Severe thunderstorms are forecast for large parts of Arkansas, followed by bitter cold