Winter Storm Brings Record Snowfall to Arkansas
Heavy Snowfall Hits Arkansas
A winter storm is wreaking havoc across Arkansas, dumping substantial amounts of snow across the state. The storm, which began on Thursday and continued into Friday, has left many residents shuttered indoors as hazardous driving conditions take their toll. The most affected areas include central and western Arkansas, where residents are reporting significant snow accumulations.
Extreme Snowfall in Central Arkansas
In central Arkansas, particularly in the Little Rock metro area, snowfall totals have reached unprecedented levels. The most recent reports indicate that up to 8 inches of snow have blanketed the region, with some areas receiving even more. The snow began falling heavily on Thursday afternoon and continued late into Friday morning, causing widespread disruptions to daily life.
Dangerous Driving Conditions
Road conditions in central and western Arkansas are particularly treacherous. The snow has turned many roads into slippery sheets of ice, making driving extremely hazardous. Local authorities have warned residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. The flash-freeze temperatures overnight have further compounded the issue, making roads even more dangerous.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy snowfall is having a profound impact on daily activities across the state. Schools in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County have been closed for both Thursday and Friday. Emergency shelters have been set up to assist those in need, such as the Dunbar Community Center in Little Rock, which is operating on a 24-hour basis.
Winter Storm Efforts
Local governments and emergency services are working tirelessly to remove snow and restore safe travel conditions. In Little Rock, crews are operating in 12-hour shifts, focusing first on designated snow routes before moving on to side streets. The city’s utility providers are also on high alert, working to keep the power on despite the challenging conditions.
Special Response Teams Deployed
To assist in the crisis, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized 140 Arkansas National Guardsmen into 28 winter weather response teams. These teams will work alongside Arkansas State Police troopers to evacuate stranded motorists and provide support until road conditions improve.
Winter Weather Advisory
Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution while traveling due to the hazardous conditions. Authorities warn of “dangerous or impossible driving conditions” across areas like the Ouachita Mountains and central Arkansas. While southern parts of the state may see a mix of snow and freezing rain, the central and western regions are the worst-affected.
Temperatures Expected to Drop
The cold front bringing this severe weather is expected to linger, keeping temperatures below freezing through at least the middle of next week. This prolonged cold snap will likely extend recovery efforts, as melting snowwater will re-freeze overnight, making road maintenance even more challenging.
Community Coordination
Arkansas’s emergency management teams are coordinating closely with the National Weather Service and other support organizations. Daily coordination calls and emergency response measures are in place to manage the crisis effectively and ensure public safety.
Snow Totals Across Arkansas
Snowfall totals vary significantly across the state:
– Little Rock Metro: Up to 8 inches
– Central and Western Arkansas: 6-12 inches
– Northern Arkansas (Fayetteville to Jonesboro): 5-7 inches
– Southern Arkansas: 3-4 inches (with mix of ice and rain)
As the state continues to recover from this severe winter storm, residents must remain vigilant about their safety and the safety of others on the roads.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates, check local weather forecasts and emergency alerts. By staying informed and cooperating with emergency responders, Arkansas can navigate this challenging winter weather event with greater resilience.
