Fort Smith, Arkansas – A warmer-than-normal and wetter weather pattern is expected to take hold along the Oklahoma–Arkansas border heading into Valentine’s Day weekend, increasing the likelihood of rain, fog, and travel slowdowns from Saturday through midweek. While no single high-impact storm is currently signaled, repeated rounds of rainfall could create cumulative impacts across river valleys and major travel routes.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas are favored for above-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures during the February 14–18 period. This setup limits sustained cold air and shifts most precipitation toward rain, with only brief windows for mixed precipitation during overnight hours in higher terrain.
Along the I-40 corridor, including Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Sallisaw, periods of steady rain could lead to ponding on roadways and reduced visibility, especially during overnight and early morning travel. Bridges and low-lying stretches of highway may become slick during heavier rainfall.
In eastern Oklahoma counties such as Sequoyah and Le Flore, repeated rain may stress drainage systems and cause localized flooding in poor drainage areas. Western Arkansas communities including Alma, Greenwood, and Ozark may see similar impacts, particularly near creeks and small rivers that respond quickly to rainfall.
Farther north into the Boston Mountains, including areas near Booneville and Waldron, rainfall combined with existing moisture could increase runoff into mountain streams. Emergency officials advise monitoring water levels and avoiding water-covered roads.
Air travel through Fort Smith Regional Airport is expected to remain operational, though brief delays are possible during periods of low clouds or heavier rain. Utilities report no elevated concerns for ice-related outages under this warmer pattern.
This warmer, wetter setup is expected to persist into midweek. Additional advisories may be issued as individual systems become clearer, and residents along the Oklahoma–Arkansas border are urged to stay alert for updated alerts, particularly during overnight travel windows when conditions can change quickly.
