A Tornado WATCH is in effect for North Central Arkansas until 11 p.m. Friday as strong to severe storms capable of producing tornadoes are expected this evening. More watches may be issued for eastern Arkansas later tonight.

Three people are confirmed dead following a tornado outbreak in Alabama. Two people died in Plantersville and one person died in Winterboro. Video above shows WVTM 13 team coverag

At least 12 fatalities have been reported in Missouri, according to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. The deaths come as a massive storm system moving across the country unleashed winds that damaged buildings, whipped up deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires.

In a nutshell Rural residents demonstrate higher levels of tornado preparedness than urban dwellers, contradicting assumptions about resource limitations in rural areas. Only 47% of participants correctly understood what a “tornado warning” means,