Due to possible inclement weather from tropical storm Laura, all Sevier County Libraries will close at 12 noon Thursday, August 27. Thank you for your patience. Everyone please stay safe. Turn around don't drown!!!!
Warnings and Watches Issued Today from the National Weather Service
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for portions of the forecast area in response to Hurricane Laura impacting the region.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for nearly all of our area through 7 AM Friday #TSLaura is expected to bring widespread rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches w/ isolated higher amounts near 8 inches. Remember, #TurnAroundDontDrown!
Sporadic tornadoes will be possible within the rain bands of Hurricane Laura today. The greatest tornado risk overnight will be over the northeastern quadrant of the hurricane, primarily over areas of North Central Louisiana.
Thursday COVID-19 Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,142
Active Positive: 49
Recovered: 1,081
Deaths: 12
Negatives: 5,437
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 398
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 367
Deaths: 5
Negatives: 3,039
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 271
Active Positive: 35
Recovered: 222
Deaths: 14
Negatives: 1,409
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 212
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 178
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,968
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 163
Active Positive: 17
Recovered: 145
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,676
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Makes Announcement on Developmental Disability Waiver Program
Governor Asa Hutchinson will announce Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) plans regarding developmental disability waiver program at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Governor’s Conference Room.
De Queen Public Schools Closed Thursday Due to Tropical Storm Warning
ArcBest Leads State-based Firms on Forbes Employers’ List
Fort Smith-based supply chain logistics firm ArcBest has been recognized as one of Forbes’ best employers on its annual list of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2020.
The award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. ArcBest ranked No. 2 in the state of Arkansas, the highest state-based group among the 30 on the list. Louisiana-based Entergy is ranked No. 1. FedEx, Springdale Public Schools and the U.S. Department of the Interior round out the top five.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/arcbest-leads-state-based-firms-on-forbes-employers-list/
ArcBest leads state-based firms on Forbes employers' list - Talk Business & Politics
Fort Smith-based supply chain logistics firm ArcBest has been recognized as one of Forbes' best employers on its annual list of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2020. The award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. ArcBest ranked No.
UAMS Receives $10.6 million Grant for Proteomics Research
The National Institutes of Health awarded the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences a $10.6 million grant for biomedical research, the school announced Wednesday (Aug. 26).
UAMS said the money will “greatly expand” proteomics resources and will establish the IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics as the first NIH National Resource in Arkansas. It will also advance UAMS’s effort to receive a National Cancer Institute designation.
Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins that can lead to the development of new therapies and screening approaches for many diseases, including cancer.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/uams-receives-10-6-million-grant-for-proteomics-research/
UAMS receives $10.6 million grant for proteomics research - Talk Business & Politics
The National Institutes of Health awarded the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences a $10.6 million grant for biomedical research, the school announced Wednesday (Aug. 26). UAMS said the money will "greatly expand" proteomics resources and will establish the IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics as the first NIH National Resource in Arkansas.
Tyson Foods the Largest U.S. Chicken Processor in 2019; Pilgrim's 2nd
Springdale-based Tyson Foods was in 2019 king of the nation’s broiler production with 200.47 million pounds of ready-to-cook chicken produced each week. Tyson Foods slaughtered 38.3 million chicken a week at an average weight of 6 pounds, according to WattAgNet’s annual survey.
The closest to Tyson Foods by weekly production is Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., based in Greely, Colo., and a subsidiary of JBS. Pilgrim’s reports 160.04 million pounds of ready-to-cook chicken going to market each week. Pilgrim’s slaughters an average of 30.3 million chickens each week at an average bird weight of 5.78 pounds.
Tyson Foods the largest U.S. chicken processor in 2019; George's ranked 9th - Talk Business & Politics
Springdale-based Tyson Foods was in 2019 king of the nation's broiler production with 200.47 million pounds of ready-to-cook chicken produced each week. Tyson Foods slaughtered 38.3 million chicken a week at an average weight of 6 pounds, according to WattAgNet's annual survey.
Wood product maker to invest $23 million, add jobs at North Little Rock plant
Koppers, a global provider of treated wood products, announced Tuesday (Aug. 25) that it plans to invest a minimum of $23 million and increase the number of workers at its North Little Rock facility over the next two years.
The investment will be used for new construction and to purchase equipment that will allow Koppers to upgrade and modernize the company’s processes and further improve its environmental footprint.
Koppers employs 80 in North Little Rock. It did not disclose the amount of new jobs it would add.
Wood product maker to invest $23 million, add jobs at North Little Rock plant - Talk Business & Politics
Koppers, a global provider of treated wood products, announced Tuesday (Aug. 25) that it plans to invest a minimum of $23 million and increase the number of workers at its North Little Rock facility over the next two years.
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,134
Active Positive: 50
Recovered: 1,072
Deaths: 12
Negatives: 5,416
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 398
Active Positive: 28
Recovered: 365
Deaths: 5
Negatives: 3,036
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 265
Active Positive: 37
Recovered: 215
Deaths: 13
Negatives: 1,404
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 208
Active Positive: 32
Recovered: 174
Deaths: 2
Negatives: 2,954
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 161
Active Positive: 23
Recovered: 137
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,670
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Wednesday (08.26.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Watches and Warnings From the National Weather Service
This product covers ArkLaTex
**Major Hurricane Laura Continues to Strengthen across the Central
Gulf of Mexico and is Expected to Make Landfall Tonight**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bienville, Bossier,
Bowie, Caddo, Caldwell, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Claiborne,
Columbia, Grant, Gregg, Harrison, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson,
La Salle, Lafayette, Lincoln, Little River, Marion, Miller,
Morris, Nevada, Ouachita, Panola, Rusk, Sevier, Smith, Union,
Union, Upshur, Webster, and Winn
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Angelina, De Soto,
Nacogdoches, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Sabine, San
Augustine, and Shelby
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 330 miles south-southeast of Natchitoches LA
- 27.0N 92.0W
- Storm Intensity 125 mph
- Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 16 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Hurricane Laura continues strengthen and move northwest across the
warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Laura recently strengthened
into a major hurricane and is now expected to achieve Category Four
status with peak sustained winds of 145 mph early this evening,
before making landfall later tonight along the coast of extreme
Southwest Louisiana. Laura will remain a hurricane for some time
as it moves inland early tomorrow morning before weakening to a
tropical storm as it moves north across East Texas and Northwest
Louisiana from late morning through early afternoon on Thursday.
With the system moving inland, damaging wind gusts, inland
flooding, and isolated tornadoes are expected across the area.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive
impacts across Deep East Texas and West Central Louisiana.
Potential impacts in this area include:
- Roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged. Damage could be
accentuated by airborne projectiles.
- Many large trees uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over. Downed trees will become more
common as the ground gets saturated with heavy rain.
- Some roads impassable from debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several access routes could become
impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.
Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts across the remainder of locations in North
Louisiana, Southwest and South Central Arkansas, and in East
Texas south and east of a Quitman to Clarksville line. Potential
impacts in these areas include:
- Limited roof and shingle damage possible.
- Large branches downed and some trees uprooted. Downed trees
will become more common as the ground gets saturated with
heavy rain.
- Some roads may become blocked by downed trees.
- Scattered areas with power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Southwest and South Central Arkansas,
Northern Louisiana west and north of a Colfax to Monroe line, East
Texas east of an Alto, to Tyler, to Clarksville line, and also
extreme Southeast Oklahoma. Potential impacts include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
rescues.
- Small streams, creeks, bayous, and ditches may rapidly
overflow their banks in multiples places.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities. Many places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become flooded with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
- Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed
out.
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across the remainder of East Texas and North
Louisiana.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across ArkLaTex. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
pulled from moorings.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
No evacuations at this time. Heed instructions from local emergency
management officials.
For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in
a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible
flooding.
Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss
of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with
any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1
Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if
conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision
making.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a
flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don`t drown!
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees or in a manufactured home, consider moving to a safer shelter
before the onset of strong winds or flooding.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news
outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to
possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways
to receive weather warnings.
There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple
ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1230 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette-
Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-Bienville-
Jackson-Ouachita-Winn-Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-Bowie-Camp-Morris-
Cass-Upshur-Marion-Smith-Gregg-Harrison-Cherokee-Rusk-Panola-
1230 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Arkansas, northern
and central Louisiana and for northeast Texas.
.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight...
Major Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall near the Texas
and Louisiana border overnight. A Tropical Storm Warning is in
effect through Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to
increase in coverage from the south today, and then a break this
evening with conditions further deteriorating after midnight and
especially in the predawn hours as heavy precipitation begins to
spread into the region. Heavy rainfall, strong and gusty winds,
and possible tornadoes are expected overnight. A Flash Flood
Watch is in effect from this evening through Friday morning.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday...
Hurricane Laura will continue all day on Thursday, bringing the
brunt of heavy rainfall, strong and gusty winds, and the tornado
threat Thursday morning and afternoon with conditions beginning to
improve from the south by Thursday evening. In the wake of Laura,
afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible through the weekend
and into early next week.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Remote activation of emergency management personnel, amateur
radio operators and storm spotters may be needed through
Thursday. Please relay any information about observed severe
weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC
guidelines.
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1106 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northwestern Howard County in southwestern Arkansas...
Northwestern Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...
Southeastern McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma...
Northeastern Red River County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 215 PM CDT.
* At 1106 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 5 inches of rain
have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Doppler radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
De Queen, Umpire, Idabel, Broken Bow, Gillham, Athens, Avery,
Annona, Haworth, Eagletown, West Line, West Otis, Hochatown, Holly
Creek, Oak Hill, Harris, Bryarly, English and Burg.
Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the
warned area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small
creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses
as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
Tropical Storm Warning
Laura Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 27
National Weather Service Shreveport LA AL132020
1021 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
Sevier-
1021 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- De Queen
* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 30 mph
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
higher amounts
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
likely.
- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos,
and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.
Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some
weakened or washed out.
* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a
few tornadoes.
- PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to
tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before
hazardous weather arrives.
- ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
quickly.
- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
power and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.
* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- http://ready.gov/hurricanes
Flash Flood Watch
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
306 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
ARZ050-051-059>061-070>073-LAZ001>006-010>014-017>022-TXZ097-109>112-
125-126-137-138-150>153-165>167-270000-
/O.CON.KSHV.FF.A.0007.200827T0000Z-200828T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette-
Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-Union-De Soto-
Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-Natchitoches-Winn-Grant-
Caldwell-La Salle-Bowie-Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Upshur-Marion-Gregg-
Harrison-Rusk-Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-San Augustine-
Sabine-
Including the cities of Colfax, Ashdown, Center, Carthage, Magnolia,
Ruston, Gibsland, Montgomery, Stamps, Jefferson, Pleasant Hill, San
Augustine, Springhill, Naples, Hope, Henderson, Linden, Nacogdoches,
Bossier City, Columbia, Zwolle, Clarks, Gilmer, Nashville, Mount
Pleasant, Hughes Springs, Lone Star, Lewisville, Mineral Springs,
Mansfield, Coushatta, Shreveport, Jonesboro, Queen City, Atlanta,
Bernice, Homer, Arcadia, Natchitoches, Omaha, De Queen, Many, Dry
Prong, Farmerville, Stonewall, Pineland, Grayson, Martin, Prescott,
Big Sandy, Midway, Ringgold, Jena, Texarkana, Daingerfield,
Pittsburg, Olla, Marshall, Haynesville, Winnfield, El Dorado,
Bradley, Logansport, Hemphill, Dierks, Lufkin, Minden, Longview, and
Monroe
306 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Portions of Arkansas...Louisiana and Texas, including the
following areas, in Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard,
Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Sevier and Union. In
Louisiana, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, De
Soto, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita,
Red River, Sabine, Union, Webster and Winn. In Texas, Angelina,
Bowie, Camp, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches,
Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Titus and Upshur.
* From this evening through Friday morning
* Rainfall totals of near 3 to 6 inches, with isolated higher
amounts possible.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
National Hurricane Center
Top News of the Day... Last update Tue, 25 Aug 2020 22:44:04 UTC For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript/Active Scripting. Atlantic - Caribbean Sea - Gulf of Mexico Hurricane Laura Satellite | Buoys | Grids | Storm Archive ...LAURA MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD ACROSS THE CENTRAL GULF OF MEXICO...
Governor Asa Hutchinson on NPR about the Republican National Convention
Monday marks the beginning of the 2020 Republican National Convention, with the first night’s agenda including the state roll call to nominate President Donald Trump for re-election.
This year’s convention, similar to the Democratic National Convention, will be mostly digital due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who spoke during the 2016 RNC, said Monday on NPR’s Morning Edition that his statements about then-candidate Trump being "transparent and straight-talking" remain true.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson On RNC Convention: Trump Needs To Articulate Vision Of A Second Term
Monday marks the beginning of the 2020 Republican National Convention, with the first night's agenda including the state roll call to nominate President Donald Trump for re-election. This year's convention, similar to the Democratic National Convention, will be mostly digital due to the coronavirus pandemic. Arkansas Gov.
Springdale-Based Biotech Firm Develops Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Test
Springdale-based medical diagnostic biotechnology firm, NOWDiagnostics, has developed a rapid COVID-19 antibody test. The test, which is pending approval for emergency use by the FDA, will be made available to clinics, labs and for at-home use. It requires a drop of blood and provides results within 15 minutes.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/springdale-based-biotech-firm-develops-rapid-covid-19-antibody-test
Springdale-Based Biotech Firm Develops Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Test
Springdale-based medical diagnostic biotechnology firm, NOWDiagnostics, has developed a rapid COVID-19 antibody test. The test, which is pending approval for emergency use by the FDA, will be made available to clinics, labs and for at-home use. It requires a drop of blood and provides results within 15 minutes.
Education Boss: Arkansans Must Follow Guidelines ‘If We Want to Make this Work’
The return to school, blood plasma treatments and the need for more testing were key parts of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s Monday (Aug. 24) COVID-19 briefing, with Arkansas Secretary of Education Johnny Key saying Arkansans must follow safety guidelines “if we want to make this work.”
Hundreds of thousands of students, educators, support staff and others returned Monday to in-class instruction at Arkansas public schools. Thousands of students elected to return to school only with virtual instruction. Gov. Hutchinson opened his briefing with a note to those returning to school.
Education boss: Arkansans must follow guidelines 'if we want to make this work' - Talk Business & Politics
The return to school, blood plasma treatments and the need for more testing were key parts of Gov. Asa Hutchinson's Monday (Aug. 24) COVID-19 briefing, with Arkansas Secretary of Education Johnny Key saying Arkansans must follow safety guidelines "if we want to make this work."
Tropical Storm Laura Effect on Arkansas
National Weather Service statement regarding Tropical Storm Laura and its possible effect on Arkansas
Tropical Storm Laura Impacts to Arkansas
What’s Coming
• Tropical Storm Laura is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today over the Gulf of Mexico.
• Laura is forecast to make landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning along the northern Gulf coast near the Texas/Louisiana border.
• The storm center will lift north over Arkansas sometime Thursday afternoon into Friday. Impacts could be felt as early as Wednesday afternoon and night.
Hazards
• Heavy rain/flash
• Strong winds/wind gusts (mainly southern Arkansas)
• Isolated tornadoes (mainly central/eastern Arkansas)
Discussion
The latest official forecast track has Laura making landfall near the Texas/Louisiana coast as a major hurricane Wednesday night or early Thursday Morning, with the storm moving into Arkansas Thursday afternoon or evening.
Specific impacts will be determined by Laura's track across Arkansas, and slight variations could significantly alter the forecast.
Rainfall...
Heavy rainfall is a given, especially near and to the east of the center as rain bands repeatedly move over the same areas. Based on the latest forecast, western and central Arkansas will be the prime areas for heavy rainfall, with amounts of four to six inches likely, and localized totals in excess of seven inches.
While most of central and eastern Arkansas has been running below average on rainfall as of late, portions of southwest and western Arkansas have been running five to ten inches above average month to date.
We definitely think flash flooding will be a concern, but it would likely take longer to materialize in the driest areas.
Winds...
Even as Laura moves into Arkansas, it is likely to still be maintaining tropical storm strength.
· Sustained winds of 30 to 40 MPH will be possible surrounding the center of circulation, and gusts could approach or even briefly exceed 50 MPH.
· While the winds alone are enough cause for concern, any areas that have experienced heavy rainfall could see more downed trees due to saturated ground.
Tornadoes...
Tornadoes will be possible in the bands north and east of the center of circulation. These are the types of tornadoes that tend to be very brief and move south to north or southeast to northwest. They are particularly challenging to warn for, as they tend to be shallow and short-lived.
Threat timing (Greatest potential)...
Heavy rainfall - Thursday and Friday
Winds - Thursday Afternoon and Evening
Tornadoes - Thursday and Thursday Night
As far as rivers are concerned, with the current amount of rainfall expected, we could see rises in the Ouachita, Saline, Fourche Lafave, Little Missouri and Arkansas basins.
Again, any change in the anticipated track of Laura could alter the forecast significantly.
NWS meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the forecast as necessary.
Continue to monitor the latest information from the National Hurricane Center and your Arkansas NWS forecast offices.
National Weather Service
Little Rock, Arkansas
Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,121
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 1,056
Deaths: 12
Negatives: 5,392
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 393
Active Positive: 33
Recovered: 355
Deaths: 5
Negatives: 3,033
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 258
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 206
Deaths: 13
Negatives: 1,395
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 207
Active Positive: 35
Recovered: 170
Deaths: 2
Negatives: 2,917
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 157
Active Positive: 29
Recovered: 127
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,665
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Malvern Tuesday (08.25.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Malvern on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
More than 700 Arkansans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic hit the state in March. The Arkansas Department of Health reported another 15 deaths on Tuesday, bringing the total to 711. Two of the deaths took place in July, but have just been reported to the ADH. The state also reported another 480 new COVID-19 cases out of 3,300 test results in the last 24-hour monitoring period. Four counties reported more than 20 cases, including Sebastian County, which had 38 new cases. The other three counties are in central Arkansas.
Both Governor Asa Hutchinson and Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero urged Arkansans to continue testing as its the best way of knowing how the virus is spreading in the state. The governor said the state is still waiting for the approval of an application that would allow the distribution of $300 unemployment expansion checks to residents. He also announced an additional $7 million from the Arkansas Rural Connect program will be distributed to smaller communities to expand broadband accessibility in rural parts of the state. Hutchinson also addressed a report from the White House Coronavirus Task Force that shows Arkansas has moved out of the red (most severe) category into the yellow, but the state still ranks as 9th highest in the country for its positivity rate.
The report included recommendations such as stricter limits on businesses and social gatherings. In response to questions about the report, the governor said the state needs to do better with its positivity rate, but there are no plans to issue any further restrictions on businesses.
Ribbon Cutting at New De Queen High School Monday
Ribbon Cutting at the first day of school at the brand new De Queen High School
Tropical Storm Laura to Affect This Week's Weather
The National Weather Service predicts our area will be impacted by Laura this week.
We wanted to send everyone a quick "heads-up" email about the upcoming potential for impacts from Tropical Storm Laura. At this time, we don't anticipate much in the way of impacts from Hurricane Marco, which is expected to come ashore across southeast Louisiana Monday. However. some uncertainty does remain with the eventual impacts of Marco.
Probably the most important piece of information and why we haven't sent any emails previously is that forecast information has remained inconsistent in terms of where we believe each of the storms will make landfall. From there, the northward path inland of the storms continues to vary as well.
Now, regarding the second storm, Laura. According to the National Hurricane Center and other forecast information, the latest data leads us to believe Laura will make landfall along the upper Texas/Louisiana coast area as a category 2 hurricane Wednesday into Wednesday night. It will then track along the TX/LA border Thursday, making its way into north-central Arkansas Friday morning.
With this track being utilized, the heaviest rainfall amounts will occur across southwest into central portions of the state. Sustained winds across much of southern into central Arkansas could be in the 25-35 mph range with higher gusts. Lastly, with the storm tracking north from southwest to north central Arkansas, all but far western Arkansas could potentially see a threat for isolated tornadoes.
With all this being said, significant changes to impacts may still occur depending on the path it takes. The potential for the path of this storm ranges anywhere from eastern Oklahoma to western Mississippi, with Arkansas in the middle. Due to this uncertainty, please monitor the latest forecast information and we will keep everyone updated in the coming days as often as we can.
(See the attached images for the latest information about the potential track, rainfall and potential for strong winds.)
-NWS Little Rock
