Update at 4:15 p.m. Aug. 22, 2026: The NWS has cancelled the severe thunderstorm warning for Craighead County as the storm has weakened below severe limits.

However, a special weather statement remains in effect until 4:15 p.m. for Craighead County, specifically for Lake City, Monette, Caraway, and Black Oak, as NWS says a storm could bring wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the county until 10 p.m.

Update at 4:03 p.m. Aug. 22, 2026: The NWS has extended its severe thunderstorm warning for Craighead County until 4:45 p.m. after a severe thunderstorm was located near Harrisburg moving east at 40 miles per hour.

Update at 3:51 p.m. Aug. 22, 2026: Craighead Electric Cooperative is reporting 747 people are without power right now. The outage map shows that the outage started at 3:29 p.m.

Update at 3:43 p.m. Aug. 22, 2026: The NWS has extended its severe thunderstorm warning for Craighead County until 4:30 p.m. after a severe thunderstorm was located near Brookland moving southeast at 40 miles per hour.

Original story below:

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Severe weather is actively moving through Northeast Arkansas, bringing the threat of damaging winds, large hail, and potential power outages.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Memphis has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Craighead, western Greene, and western Poinsett counties until 3:45 p.m. today. A broad Severe Thunderstorm Watch also remains in effect for the region until 10 p.m.

The NWS said at 3:15 p.m., radar indicated a severe thunderstorm located over Bono, moving southeast at 40 miles per hour.

This storm system carries a primary threat of strong, damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour and quarter-size hail. The NWS advises that considerable tree damage is expected, along with likely wind damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Vehicle damage from hail is also a risk.

Locations directly impacted include Jonesboro, Paragould, Trumann, Harrisburg, Bono, Lake City, Bay, Brookland, Monette, Cash, and surrounding communities, as well as Crowley’s Ridge and Lake Frierson State Parks.

Residents in the path of this storm should take protective action immediately by moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

Reporting Power Outages

If you lose power, do not assume your utility provider automatically knows. Report your outage directly to help dispatchers isolate the damage and direct crews efficiently:

  • Jonesboro City Water and Light (CWL): Call (870) 930-3300 or text “out” to (800) 933-3672.
  • Craighead Electric Cooperative: Call 1-888-771-7772 or text OUT to 85700.
  • Entergy Arkansas: Call 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243).

Emergency Resources & Safety

Treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous. Keep your distance and report them to your utility provider or local law enforcement immediately.

  • Craighead County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency Dispatch): (870) 933-4551.
  • For immediate emergencies: Dial 911.

This is a developing story. JRN will provide updates as they are available.