Frigid Weather Alert: Arkansas Braces for Sleet, Snow, and Dangerous Chill

Arkansas is in for a rough ride as a winter storm system takes over the central U.S.

Timing and Conditions

• Duration: Starting Friday evening, lasting through Sunday
• Precipitation: Mix of snow, sleet, and ice
• Temperatures: Dropping to near zero degrees Fahrenheit at night

Regional Forecasts

• Central Arkansas: Earlier predictions of heavy snowfall have shifted to sleet, with possible freezing rain, especially in southern counties.
• Northern Arkansas: Snow is the main event, with forecasts calling for 6 to 10 inches or more.
• Little Rock: Icy mix could start falling as early as late Friday afternoon.

Travel and Safety

• Travel: Expected to be tricky and dangerous across most of the state.
• Cold Risks: Poses risks to people, pets, and pipes.
• Temperature Forecast:
• Friday night: 11 degrees
• Below freezing until Tuesday
• Sunday and Monday nights: Lows in the single digits

Community Response

• Little Rock:
• Warming center at the Dunbar Community Center, open 24/7 starting Friday evening.
• Pre-treating roads and plows ready.
• North Little Rock:
• Shelter at the NLR Community Center.

Government Action

• Governor Sarah Sanders has declared a state of emergency.
• National Guard members deployed to assist with winter weather response teams.
• Schools canceling afterschool activities, decision on next week's classes pending.

Weather Uncertainty

• The "warm nose" phenomenon is causing uncertainty about precipitation types.
• As the warm air dissipates, snow becomes more likely, but surprises are possible.