Fort Smith, Arkansas – Travel across northwest and west central Arkansas may come to a standstill by Friday afternoon as a powerful winter storm pushes across the region, dumping up to a foot of snow and triggering dangerous ice conditions through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from noon Friday through 3 p.m. Sunday. Areas north of I-40, including Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville, are expected to see the heaviest snowfall totals—between 6 and 12 inches—while cities farther south, like Fort Smith and Ozark, could see a dangerous mix of sleet and freezing rain, with accumulations up to 8 inches and ice nearing a quarter inch.
Roads may quickly become impassable across much of the region, with Arkansas DOT warning of black ice and snow drifts on rural highways and elevated bridges. Power outages are possible, especially in Franklin and Crawford counties where icing may weigh on lines.
Residents are urged to finalize storm prep by early Friday—stock up on essentials, charge devices, and avoid travel after noon Friday. Warming shelters should be considered for vulnerable populations, with bitter cold expected to extend into early next week.
Additional alerts may follow as models refine totals. Stay tuned to local updates and road conditions via IDriveArkansas.com.
