EL DORADO — The National Weather Service in Little Rock is warning residents across South Arkansas and much of the state to prepare for the possibility of scattered severe storms beginning early Friday morning, with additional rounds of severe weather possible through the weekend and into early next week.

According to forecasters, the highest local risk level for Friday is Level 2 out of 5, indicating scattered severe storms are possible across much of Arkansas, including South Arkansas and Union County.

The severe weather threat is expected to begin as early as 4 a.m. Friday and could continue through 11 p.m., with storms moving east-northeast at 40 to 50 mph.

Meteorologist Alex Woods said increasing moisture ahead of a frontal system will play a key role in the developing weather pattern.

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“We’re going to be seeing some increasing southerly flow, so kind of looks like our moisture levels will be increasing ahead of, like what you mentioned, some severe weather potential beginning on Friday,” Woods said. “Yeah, so as of right now we kind of have a slight risk out there for Friday, generally speaking, you know, 15 percent chance of seeing severe weather in your neck of the woods.”

Woods noted that the threat will not necessarily end Friday night, as an active pattern is expected to continue through the weekend.

“We’ll have to see how that’s going to evolve as we move closer, as we’ll be seeing the frontal system moving through on Friday. Then it kind of looks like going into and through the weekend our weather pattern is going to stay active, so we have severe weather potential continuing Saturday, Sunday, and even into Monday,” Woods said.

Primary Threats: Wind and Hail

Forecasters say the primary concerns with Friday’s storms will be damaging winds and large hail, although tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

Current projections indicate the potential for strong to damaging wind gusts below 75 mph, along with the possibility of hail up to around quarter-size or larger in some areas.

Woods emphasized that tornadoes remain a possibility, even if they are not expected to be the primary threat.

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“It looks like the primary threats are going to be hail and damaging winds, but at this time we can’t necessarily rule out the potential of a tornado or two, especially on Friday by the looks of it right now,” Woods said.

Weekend Storm Chances Continue

In addition to Friday’s threat, forecasters say the overall weather pattern will remain unsettled into the weekend and early next week, increasing the chances for multiple rounds of storms across Arkansas.

Emergency officials encourage residents across South Arkansas to stay weather-aware, especially during overnight and early morning hours when storms may develop quickly.

Residents are advised to:

• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings
• Review severe weather safety plans
• Secure outdoor items ahead of storms
• Monitor updated forecasts as conditions evolve

Forecasters stress that storm timing and intensity could change as the system approaches, and additional updates are expected from the National Weather Service in the coming hours.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new addition to the local business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Country Living Mobile Home & RV Park.

Chamber officials, community members, and business representatives gathered to celebrate the opening and recognize the business’s investment in the El Dorado area. The ceremony marked the official introduction of Country Living Mobile Home & RV Park as part of the growing network of local businesses serving residents and visitors in Union County.

Country Living Mobile Home & RV Park offers accommodations for both mobile homes and recreational vehicles, providing options for long-term residents and travelers seeking convenient and accessible lodging in the region.

Chamber officials said ribbon cuttings serve as an opportunity to highlight new and expanding businesses that contribute to local economic growth and enhance available services within the community.

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For reservations or information about availability at Country Living Mobile Home & RV Park, individuals can call 870-863-6565.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Parents and guardians of incoming kindergarten students in the El Dorado School District can begin preparing now for the 2026-27 registration process, with sibling registration opening April 17 and open kindergarten registration beginning April 22.

According to district registration materials, open kindergarten registration will begin at 8 a.m. on April 22, 2026.

District officials say children must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2026, in order to enroll in kindergarten for the upcoming school year.

Registration will be completed in an online format through the El Dorado School District website. Families are instructed to visit eldoradopublicschools.org, select “Enroll My Student,” and then follow the kindergarten registration steps provided there.

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Before registration can be finalized, parents must first complete a Google Form, which will then provide a link to PowerSchool. Families will be asked to create a username and password to continue the process. District materials note that both the Google Form and the PowerSchool submission must be completed, along with all required documents, for registration to be considered complete.

Documents required for registration include a birth certificate, Social Security card, shot record, and proof of residency within the El Dorado School District. Proof of residency must be a bill or statement showing the parent or guardian’s name and address and must be dated within the last 30 days.

The district is also advising families that school preference will only be prioritized if all required documents are uploaded at the time of registration.

Parents who are unsure whether they live within the district are encouraged to contact the Union County Assessor’s Office at 870-864-1920.

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For families who do not have internet access, assistance is available through the district’s Administration Office at 200 West Oak. Questions can also be directed to the district by calling 870-864-5006.

The registration materials feature the district’s elementary campuses, including Hugh Goodwin Elementary, Northwest Elementary and Yocum Elementary.

For more information, parents can visit www.eldoradopublicschools.org.

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EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is accepting resumes to fill a vacancy on the El Dorado City Council following the resignation of Ward 2 Council Member Vance Williamson.

Williamson’s resignation will take effect April 30, creating an opening for Ward 2, Position 1 on the council.

City officials are encouraging residents of Ward 2 who are interested in serving their community to apply for the position. The selected individual will serve the remainder of the current term, which expires December 31, 2026.

Interested applicants must reside within Ward 2 to be eligible for consideration. Resumes should be submitted to Mayor Paul Choate at City Hall no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2026.

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The El Dorado City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting on May 5, 2026, at 5:15 p.m., during which council members will hear from applicants and make an appointment to fill the vacancy.

City officials say the appointment provides an opportunity for residents to take an active role in local government and help shape decisions affecting the future of the city.