Arkansas Braces for First Major Snowfall of the Year
Arkansas is currently weathering its first major snowfall of the year, with significant impacts expected on roads and daily life. The snow began falling Thursday morning, bringing with it a blanket of white that has transformed the state’s landscape.
Heavy Snow Accumulation Across Various Regions
Much of Arkansas has seen substantial snowfall, especially in central and western parts of the state. According to the National Weather Service, areas extending from Little Rock to Hot Springs and Mena could receive as much as 10 inches of snow by Friday afternoon. In the Little Rock metro area alone, approximately 9 inches of snow were reported, affecting daily routines and traffic.
Impact on Transportation and Daily Life
- Impact on Roads: The snow has caused significant disruptions on Arkansas’ highways, with reports of slow traffic and several accidents along major interstates like I-30 and I-40. Road crews are working around the clock to clear and pre-treat roads, focusing first on designated snow routes before moving to secondary neighborhood streets.
- School Closures: The Little Rock School District, North Little Rock School District, and Pulaski County Special School District have all been closed Thursday and Friday to ensure student safety. Local emergency shelters are also being opened to assist those in need.
- Community Response: Residents are advised to stay off the roads if possible, with local officials urging drivers to give road crews and emergency responders ample space while they work in hazardous conditions.
Varying Snowfall Predictions Across the State
The snowfall has not been uniform across Arkansas. While central and western regions are seeing significant accumulation, southern parts of the state are dealing with a mix of ice and rain. Northwest Arkansas is expected to receive slightly less snow, but still enough to cause some disruptions.
- Central Arkansas: Expected to receive 6 to 10 inches of snow, with the main precipitation occurring late afternoon into early evening on Thursday.
- Southern Parts: Expects more freezing rain and sleet, with less than an inch of snow in some areas, and potentially a quarter inch of ice accumulation.
- Northwestern Regions: Will see significantly less snow, but still an inch or two, with some areas possibly getting up to three inches.
Ongoing Weather Conditions
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing at night, which could lead to re-freezing of any water left on roadways. This means that while some melting may occur during warmer hours of the day, roads may not be fully clear until several days after the snowfall.
