EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas are being urged to stay weather-aware Monday evening as thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, portions of South Arkansas are under a slight risk for severe weather through the evening hours. The greatest concern is the potential for strong to damaging wind gusts that could reach around 60 mph, capable of downing tree limbs, causing scattered power outages, and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Areas near El Dorado, Magnolia, Camden, and surrounding communities are included in the area facing the higher severe weather risk. While forecasters say the tornado threat remains very low and the risk for large hail is minimal, strong winds associated with thunderstorms are expected to be the primary hazard.

The severe weather threat comes as a Flood Watch remains in effect across much of South Arkansas through Tuesday morning. Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and on roadways.

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Weather officials encourage residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios, smartphone alerts, and local media. Residents are also urged to review their severe weather safety plans before storms begin to develop later this evening.

Forecasters will continue to monitor storm development throughout the evening and overnight as conditions remain favorable for strong thunderstorms across the Ark-La-Tex region.

EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas are being urged to stay weather-aware tonight as the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch beginning at 4 p.m. Monday and continuing through 7 a.m. Tuesday.

The watch includes all of South Arkansas, including Union, Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun, Bradley, Ashley, and surrounding counties. Forecasters say a slow-moving weather system is expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall beginning this evening and continuing through the overnight hours.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected across much of the region, with isolated areas potentially receiving even higher amounts. The greatest concern is localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, along creeks and streams, and on roadways that are prone to flooding.

The National Weather Service warns that conditions could deteriorate quickly after sunset as thunderstorms become more widespread. Drivers are encouraged to use caution if traveling overnight and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

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Emergency officials are reminding residents to monitor forecasts throughout the evening, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions if heavy rain develops over their area.

The Flood Watch remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday, with forecasters continuing to monitor the potential for flooding across South Arkansas and the broader Ark-La-Tex region.

EL DORADO — Parents of children entering kindergarten in the El Dorado School District for the 2026-27 school year are being encouraged to sign up now for required kindergarten testing.

District officials announced that all incoming kindergarten students must participate in testing, which will be held on two dates in July. Testing sessions are scheduled for July 21 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and July 23 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Parents are asked to register for a testing time slot based on their child’s assigned elementary school. Sign-up opportunities are available for students attending Yocum Elementary, Northwest Elementary, and Hugh Goodwin Elementary.

Families who have not yet received their child’s school placement are encouraged to check the email address used during enrollment, as placement notifications have been distributed electronically by the district.

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District officials say the testing helps schools prepare for incoming students and assists educators in making sure children are ready for a successful start to their educational journey.

The El Dorado School District said it is looking forward to welcoming the newest class of students when the school year begins later this summer.

EL DORADO — Local business professionals will have an opportunity to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships during the next Business Hour hosted by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

The networking event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at KTVE Studios, located at 400 W. Main Street in El Dorado.

Business Hour is one of the Chamber’s regular networking events designed to bring together business owners, managers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in an informal setting. Attendees can exchange ideas, build relationships, learn about fellow Chamber members, and discover opportunities for collaboration within the local business community.

The event also provides participants with an opportunity to learn more about KTVE Studios and its role in serving audiences throughout the region.

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Chamber officials encourage members and prospective members alike to attend, noting that networking events such as Business Hour help strengthen business connections and support economic growth throughout El Dorado and Union County.

The event is open to Chamber members and community business professionals interested in expanding their professional networks and becoming more engaged in the local business community.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will welcome a growing health care provider to the community this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Therapy First.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 12:30 p.m. at Therapy First’s location at 215 N. Newton Avenue in El Dorado.

Chamber officials are inviting community members, local business leaders, and supporters to attend the ceremony as Therapy First celebrates its presence in El Dorado and its commitment to providing rehabilitation and therapy services to residents throughout South Arkansas.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies serve as an opportunity for businesses to showcase their services, connect with the community, and celebrate milestones alongside Chamber members and local leaders.

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Therapy First offers physical therapy and rehabilitation services designed to help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.

The ceremony is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the services available through Therapy First while welcoming the business to the El Dorado community.