Little Rock, Arkansas – A significant winter storm is expected to impact Arkansas beginning later tonight and continuing through Sunday, bringing a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, most of Arkansas will experience a wintry mix throughout the duration of the storm. Northern Arkansas is favored to see primarily snow, while central Arkansas is expected to see a mix of sleet and snow with intermittent freezing rain. Southern Arkansas will likely see more sleet and freezing rain, with snow occasionally mixing in and a transition toward snow by Sunday morning.
Snowfall forecasts indicate totals of 6 to 10 inches across much of northern Arkansas, with the highest amounts favored from north to northwest Arkansas, where localized totals exceeding 12 inches are possible. Central and southern portions of the state are expected to see lower snow totals due to higher sleet potential.
Ice accumulation is a major concern in southern Arkansas. The latest forecast suggests a quarter inch to a half inch of ice is possible, with locally higher amounts approaching three-quarters of an inch. In a reasonable worst-case scenario, some areas near the Arkansas–Louisiana–Mississippi border could see even higher ice totals, increasing the risk for power outages and tree damage.
The National Weather Service notes there may be a brief lull in precipitation Saturday night before another round of heavier wintry precipitation develops early Sunday morning. Significant travel disruptions are expected statewide, especially during periods of heavier snow or ice accumulation.
Residents are urged to prepare now, limit travel if possible, monitor forecast updates, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings as conditions deteriorate.
