If you’re in Arkansas, Louisiana, or Texas, be ready—a winter storm is moving in tonight, bringing freezing rain and sleet that could make roads dangerously slick. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 PM Tuesday (Feb. 18) to 6 AM Wednesday (Feb. 19), and driving conditions are expected to get bad fast.
This storm isn’t about deep snow, but the ice could be just as dangerous—coating roads, bridges, and overpasses and making travel extremely hazardous overnight and into Wednesday morning. If you don’t have to go out, it’s best to stay put.
What’s Happening Right Now?
It’s already cold, and the storm system is moving in. Light rain will start falling this evening, but as temperatures drop below freezing, that rain will turn into freezing rain and sleet, making driving very dangerous.
Here’s a look at current conditions across the region:
- Dallas, TX – 32°F (0°C), cloudy
- Shreveport, LA – 35°F (2°C), overcast
- Texarkana, AR – 30°F (-1°C), mostly cloudy
- Little Rock, AR – 28°F (-2°C), light freezing drizzle possible
These temperatures will keep falling, meaning icy roads are almost guaranteed overnight.
When Will the Ice Arrive?
Tuesday Night (Feb. 18)
- 6 PM – Midnight: Light freezing rain and sleet begin across parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Roads will start getting slick, especially on bridges and overpasses.
- Midnight – 6 AM: The worst conditions set in overnight. Ice will accumulate, and travel could become nearly impossible in some spots.
Wednesday Morning (Feb. 19)
- 6 AM – 10 AM: The precipitation moves out, but temperatures stay below freezing, meaning icy roads and black ice will still be a problem.
- Afternoon: A little melting is possible, but whatever does melt could refreeze overnight into Thursday, creating more slick spots.
How Much Ice and Sleet Are We Getting?
Even a little bit of ice can make roads dangerous. Here’s what different areas can expect:
- Dallas, TX: Glaze of ice up to 0.10 inches, with freezing rain overnight. Wind chills as low as 10°F (-12°C).
- Shreveport, LA: Sleet and freezing rain mix, with up to 0.15 inches of ice accumulation.
- Texarkana, AR: Light snow and sleet up to 0.50 inches, with up to 0.20 inches of ice on roads and power lines.
- Little Rock, AR: Freezing rain and sleet accumulation up to 0.25 inches, making roads dangerously slick.
Biggest Concerns: What You Need to Watch For
Extremely Dangerous Roads – Ice is much worse than snow when it comes to driving. Even a thin layer can make roads completely impassable.
Possible Power Outages – Ice can weigh down power lines and trees, potentially causing outages in areas expecting over 0.15 inches of ice.
Bitter Cold & Wind Chill – With temperatures in the 20s and strong winds, wind chills will feel like 10°F (-12°C) or lower in some spots.
Weather Alerts You Should Know About
Winter Weather Advisory – In effect from 6 PM Tuesday to 6 AM Wednesday for Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Expect ice-covered roads and dangerous driving conditions.
Extreme Cold Warning (Dallas Area) – From 9 PM Tuesday to 9 AM Thursday, wind chills as low as 10°F (-12°C).
Black Ice Risk – Wednesday morning will be especially dangerous as ice-covered roads remain slick. Even if roads look clear, they may be covered in black ice.
How to Stay Safe in This Ice Storm
Avoid Driving If You Can – Stay home if possible. If you must drive, take it slow, leave extra space, and avoid bridges and overpasses.
Prepare for Power Outages – Charge your phone, have flashlights, blankets, and extra batteries ready in case of an outage.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car – If you have to travel, pack a blanket, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger in case you get stranded.
Check on Family & Neighbors – Elderly relatives and friends may need help staying warm or gathering supplies.
Bring Pets Indoors – If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
This isn’t about snow—it’s about ICE. A thin layer of ice can make roads just as dangerous as a foot of snow.
- If you don’t have to go out, stay home.
- If you do have to drive, take it slow and be ready for extremely slick conditions.
- Be prepared for possible power outages and bitter cold through Wednesday morning.
Stay safe, stay warm, and keep checking for updates as conditions change!
