With Ice and Snow Forecast, Arkansas Prepares for a Difficult Weekend

Arkansas is preparing for a dangerous winter storm that forecasters say will spread across much of the state this weekend, part of a vast weather system expected to affect roughly 200 million people across a dozen states.

State officials are urging residents to brace for treacherous travel, possible power outages, and bitterly cold temperatures that could linger into next week. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service say it is still unclear where snow will give way to sleet and freezing rain, though the transition is expected somewhere in central or south Arkansas. South Arkansas is likely to face the harshest conditions, with a mix of freezing rain and sleet, while northern parts of the state are expected to see heavy snowfall.

Emergency Declaration and Statewide Preparations

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a state of emergency on Thursday, releasing $250,000 for disaster response as Arkansas prepares for the approaching storm. The declaration also permits emergency response vehicles and commercial carriers delivering essential supplies to bypass state run weight stations through Feb. 23.

Behind the scenes, preparations are intensifying. Arkansas National Guard members are being activated, while emergency agencies across the state are tracking conditions through twice daily radio briefings coordinated by the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management.

Beginning Friday, about 177 soldiers and airmen, supported by 60 vehicles, will be deployed to assist the Arkansas State Police. Guard officials said those teams will play a more direct role during this storm, including helping clear roads made impassable by ice, snow, and debris.

In southern Arkansas, additional light route clearance teams will be sent out. Equipped with chainsaws and specialized gear, those crews are trained to remove downed trees and reopen critical travel routes as conditions allow.

Roads Expected to Remain Hazardous

State transportation officials are warning that hazardous road conditions are likely to persist well into next week as the storm moves across Arkansas.

“This is going to be a very difficult battle,” said Dave Parker, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Transportation. He noted that this storm differs from the typical winter weather the state usually experiences, making the task of clearing roads particularly challenging. The only advantage, he added, is that the storm is expected to arrive over a weekend when traffic volumes are generally lower.

Parker said any snow, sleet, or ice that falls is unlikely to thaw until Wednesday, urging residents to stay home if possible. “We’ve got everything working against us,” he said. “Freezing rain, ice, snow, sleet, bitter cold temperatures, and a long storm lasting several days.”

Crews are working to treat major roads ahead of the storm, but Parker warned that single-digit temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of road treatments, making it difficult to predict when conditions will improve.

For those who must travel, he advised allowing significantly more time to reach destinations and preparing for the possibility of being stranded in vehicles for extended periods. The National Weather Service recommends keeping emergency supplies in vehicles, including food, water, warm clothing, and blankets.

Power Outage Concerns

Utility officials are preparing for potential power outages, particularly in areas forecast to see heavy ice accumulation. Ice storms can be more damaging to power infrastructure than snow, as the weight of ice can bring down power lines and trees.

Entergy Arkansas spokesperson Lamor Williams said the utility is staging 3,500 linemen to respond to outages, with a focus on the southern half of the state where ice is expected to pose the greatest threat. He cautioned that predicting the duration of outages is difficult.

He added that outages affecting emergency services and large numbers of customers will be addressed first, followed by more isolated disruptions.

Staying Informed and Safe

In an era of widespread misinformation, staying connected to official sources is more important than ever. Arkansans are urged to monitor forecasts from their local National Weather Service office, whether in North Little Rock, Memphis, Shreveport, or Tulsa, depending on their location.

The National Weather Service office in North Little Rock has been posting detailed statewide forecast updates on its X account. The Arkansas Department of Transportation’s mobile app and website, iDrive Arkansas, offer a winter driving conditions map that provides real-time updates on state highways and interstates. While the system does not cover local or county roads, it remains one of the most reliable tools for tracking travel conditions on major routes.

Officials are urging residents to stay indoors. During periods of extreme cold, the National Weather Service recommends limiting time outside, bringing pets indoors, dripping faucets to prevent frozen pipes, and keeping vehicles at least half full of gas. Warming shelters are open in multiple communities across the state.