If you’re in Arkansas, bundle up and stay off the roads if you can—a brutal Arctic blast has arrived, bringing snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures that will make travel extremely risky through Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories and Extreme Cold Warnings, warning that temperatures could drop near zero, with wind chills making it feel as low as -20°F (-29°C). Roads across the state are already icy, and conditions are expected to get worse overnight.
If you don’t have to go out, stay home, stay warm, and stay safe.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Roads across Arkansas are turning into sheets of ice, and drivers are struggling to stay in control as snow and freezing rain create treacherous conditions. Multiple crashes and slide-offs have already been reported, and things will only get worse as temperatures keep dropping.
Here’s how it’s looking across the state:
- Little Rock, AR – 16°F (-9°C), icy roads, slow-moving traffic reported
- Fayetteville, AR – 3°F (-16°C), snow-covered roads, wind chills well below zero
- Fort Smith, AR – 16°F (-9°C), snow and ice accumulation making travel treacherous
- Jonesboro, AR – 15°F (-9°C), clear skies, but black ice forming
- Texarkana, AR – 28°F (-2°C), mostly cloudy, some icy spots on roads
The snow may have stopped in some places, but the cold isn’t going anywhere—and whatever melted today is going to refreeze into solid ice overnight.
How Long Will This Last?
-
Wednesday Afternoon – Evening:
- Roads remain dangerous as ice continues to form.
- Wind chills drop below zero, making it dangerously cold to be outside.
-
Wednesday Night – Thursday Morning:
- Temperatures drop to single digits, causing slush and wet roads to freeze solid overnight.
- Roads will be at their most dangerous early Thursday morning.
-
Thursday Afternoon:
- Temperatures stay below freezing, so don’t expect much melting.
- Icy conditions will likely last into Friday morning.
How Much Snow & Ice Are We Dealing With?
- Northern & Western Arkansas (Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Harrison): 1 to 3 inches of snow, plus ice buildup making roads incredibly slick.
- Central Arkansas (Little Rock, Conway, Hot Springs): Up to 1 inch of snow, but freezing rain and sleet will make roads much more dangerous than snow alone.
- Eastern Arkansas (Jonesboro, West Memphis): Minimal snow, but ice and black ice are major concerns.
- Southern Arkansas (Texarkana, El Dorado): Little to no snow, but freezing drizzle will still create slippery conditions.
Even if your area didn’t get much snow, the ice is the real danger. It only takes a thin layer to make roads completely undrivable.
Biggest Dangers to Watch Out For
Slick, Icy Roads – Snow and ice aren’t melting anytime soon, and overnight refreezing will make roads even worse by morning. Bridges and overpasses will be especially dangerous.
Extreme Cold & Frostbite Risk – Wind chills as low as -20°F (-29°C) mean frostbite can happen in as little as 30 minutes. If you must be outside, cover all exposed skin.
Blowing Snow & Low Visibility – Gusty winds will blow snow back onto roads, keeping conditions slippery and visibility low—especially on highways and in rural areas.
Possible Power Outages – Ice-covered power lines and tree branches could snap under the weight, leading to scattered outages.
Pets & Livestock at Risk – If you’re cold, they’re cold. Bring pets inside, and make sure outdoor animals have shelter and access to unfrozen water.
Road Conditions Right Now
Major highways and interstates are covered in ice.
- U.S. Highway 62 and I-40 are reporting multiple accidents due to black ice.
- I-30 and I-49 are snow-packed and slick, making travel slow and dangerous.
- Bridges and overpasses have already frozen over, causing significant delays in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith.
Truckers are getting stuck.
- Jackknifed semis and stranded cars are causing backups and delays on major routes across the state.
- Plows and salt trucks are working, but the extreme cold is keeping ice from melting.
Officials are urging residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
How to Stay Safe in This Winter Storm
Stay Off the Roads If You Can – Travel is dangerous. If you must drive, go slow, brake gently, and carry an emergency kit (blanket, snacks, flashlight, phone charger).
Dress for the Extreme Cold – If you need to be outside, wear multiple layers, thick gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Check on Elderly Neighbors & Family Members – Make sure they have heat, food, and everything they need before roads get worse.
Keep Pets Inside – If you’re cold, they’re cold. Bring them inside and make sure outdoor animals have proper shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
Prepare for Power Outages – Charge your phone, stock up on flashlights, batteries, and blankets in case power goes out. NEVER use a generator or grill indoors—they can be deadly.
