Key facts
- Alert
- Red Flag Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Little Rock AR
- Areas
- Desha; Ouachita; Calhoun; Bradley; Drew
- In effect
- until 8:00 PM CDT, Oct 16, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Fires that develop could spread rapidly due to the strong winds and very dry fuels. Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
NWS Little Rock AR, Red Flag Warning, 1:18 PM CDT Oct 16, 2026 · official alert
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly.”
NWS Little Rock AR, Red Flag Warning, 1:18 PM CDT Oct 16, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not burn outdoors today. That includes brush piles, trash and debris fires. The National Weather Service says outdoor burning is not recommended.
Avoid anything that can throw a spark. Do not park hot vehicles on dry grass, and be careful with equipment, cigarettes and campfires.
If you see smoke or flames, report them to local emergency services right away. If local officials order an evacuation, leave immediately.
Check local news and National Weather Service updates, since the warning could change before it ends at 8:00 PM CDT.
Context
The National Weather Service says a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. This warning was issued at 5:54 AM CDT and is continuing.
FEMA flood-insurance claim counts for these counties cover only insured homes and reflect flooding, not wildfire. They show past flood and storm history, not fire risk today.
Updates
- The red flag warning is no longer in effect.
- The National Weather Service updated the red flag warning; it remains in effect until 8:00 PM CDT.
- NWS Little Rock AR issued the red flag warning until 8:00 PM CDT.
History here
This county: 208 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1979, most recent 2025.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4873 (2025): severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
- DR-4700 (2023): severe winter storm
- DR-4556 (2020): severe storms and straight-line winds
- DR-4441 (2019): severe storms and flooding
- DR-4270 (2016): severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding
This county: 91 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1982, most recent 2025.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4873 (2025): severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
- DR-4700 (2023): severe winter storm
- DR-4556 (2020): severe storms and straight-line winds
- DR-4318 (2017): severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding
- DR-4270 (2016): severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding
This county: 9 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 2008, most recent 2018.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
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Questions
- Is there a Red Flag Warning in southern Arkansas today?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Little Rock has a Red Flag Warning in effect from 9 AM to 8:00 PM CDT on Friday, October 16, 2026, for far southern Arkansas.
- Which Arkansas counties are under the Red Flag Warning?
- The warning covers Desha, Ouachita, Calhoun, Bradley and Drew counties.
- What are the weather conditions behind the warning?
- North to northwest winds of 10-15 mph are expected, with gusts up to 30 mph. Relative humidity is forecast at 20 to 30 percent, and fires that develop could spread rapidly.
Sources
- NWS Little Rock AR: Red Flag Warning, Oct 16, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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