DAMASCUS, Ark. (AP) -- The National Weather Service says a

tornado likely touched down north of Damascus in central Arkansas

as a series of storms began rolling through the state, injuring an

unknown number of people.

The weather service said a trained spotter saw the tornado just

after 8:30 a.m. about two miles near Damascus. Tommy Jackson, a

spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, said

there was confirmed damage and an unknown number of injuries around

Bee Branch in Van Buren County. Jackson said the storm blew down

trees and power lines as well.

Forecasters issued tornado warnings for Conway, Cleburne,

Faulkner, Stone and Van Buren counties. And there was an

unconfirmed report of another tornado at Center Ridge.

The weather service said a cold front will bring showers and

thunderstorms throughout the state today.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP-05-02-08 0922CDT