Little Rock, Arkansas – A major winter storm is poised to impact nearly all of Arkansas beginning Friday afternoon, with conditions expected to deteriorate rapidly Friday night as snow, sleet, and freezing rain spread statewide, creating the risk of widespread power outages and potentially impossible travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night for central, northern, southern, and eastern portions of the state. Northern Arkansas could see heavy snow totals of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts exceeding 8 inches in higher terrain. Central and southern Arkansas are more likely to experience a mix of snow and sleet totaling 2 to 5 inches, along with significant ice accumulations.
Ice buildup of one-quarter to one-half inch is possible across southern Arkansas, with localized amounts approaching three-quarters of an inch. Areas including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Arkadelphia, Camden, and Monticello could see tree damage and extended power outages as ice weighs down power lines.
The storm is expected to have its greatest impact during the Friday evening commute, with road conditions worsening quickly. Officials urge residents to complete preparations early, avoid non-essential travel, charge devices, and prepare for the possibility of prolonged outages. Additional warnings or upgrades are likely as the storm approaches, and hazardous conditions could linger into early Sunday morning.
