Winter storm to bring snow, hazardous travel to region; 1340 KBTA visits with Entergy about preparations

Image: Screenshot of National Weather Service radar, 9:18 a.m., Feb. 18, 2025

A significant winter storm is expected to impact the area and much of northern Arkansas later today, bringing heavy mixed precipitation and dangerous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Snowfall and precipitation

According to the weather service, northern Arkansas is expected to receive total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches, with locally higher amounts near the Arkansas-Missouri state line. Three to 5 inches of snow is currently forecast for Independence County.

Central Arkansas could see snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are also possible in most of central Arkansas.

On 1340 KBTA this morning, White River Now’s Chad Whiteaker visited with Entergy Arkansas’ Adam Effrein, vice president of reliability/winter storm prep, about the utility’s plans for the winter weather.

Listen to their conversation below, and click here for more information from Entergy Arkansas:

Travel impact

Forecasters warn that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick and hazardous. The dangerous conditions could affect both the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Travel overnight into Wednesday morning is expected to be difficult.

Cold Weather Advisory

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Wind chill values are expected to drop as low as 5 to 10 degrees below zero across northern Arkansas and 0 to 5 degrees above zero in central and southern parts of the state.

The weather service warns that prolonged exposure to these temperatures increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Safety precautions

Residents are advised to:

• Limit outdoor exposure and use caution when traveling.
• Wear multiple layers of clothing, including hats and gloves.
• Check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors.
• Keep pets indoors and provide access to unfrozen drinking water.
• Use portable heaters properly and avoid using generators or grills indoors.
• Prevent water pipes from freezing by wrapping them or allowing faucets to drip slowly.

For the latest updates and detailed forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.  For road conditions, head to IDriveArkansas.com.

For closings and cancellations, visit the White River Now Facebook page. Weather updates available 24/7 via the White River Now family of radio stations — on-air, online, and through the free White River Now mobile app.