Hope, Arkansas — Travel could come to a standstill across southwest Arkansas starting Friday night as snow and ice slam the region, with accumulations likely to cause treacherous road conditions and possible power outages through Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, a Winter Storm Warning goes into effect at 6 p.m. Friday and will remain active until noon Sunday for counties including Sevier, Howard, Hempstead, and Miller. Up to 4 inches of snow is expected north of I-30, while areas between I-20 and I-30 could see 1 to 3 inches of snow and sleet. The greatest threat, however, is ice accumulation of up to 1 inch near the I-20 corridor.
Highway 278, U.S. Route 67, and bridges across I-30 will be among the most dangerous routes. Drivers should prepare now and avoid non-essential travel once the storm begins. Significant icing on trees and power lines may lead to long-duration outages, especially in Lafayette and Columbia counties.
Residents are urged to charge devices, stock up on water and food, and bring pets indoors. Travel may be impossible through Sunday morning, with cleanup extending into early next week.
More advisories are expected as the system develops. Warnings remain in effect through noon Sunday.
