The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of a significant winter storm forecast to impact much of Arkansas beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.
The elevated activation allows state agencies and emergency partners to closely coordinate operations, respond rapidly to county resource requests, and support life-safety missions, transportation needs, and power restoration efforts as conditions deteriorate.
Forecasts indicate a large band of snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain will move across the state, creating hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and dangerously cold wind chills.
ADEM urges residents to stay home and avoid travel during the height of the storm to keep roadways clear for emergency responders and utility crews. If travel is unavoidable, drivers are encouraged to check road conditions through IDrive Arkansas, allow extra travel time, and prepare for limited emergency response due to icy and snow-covered roads.
For individuals needing shelter from the cold, ADEM has published a statewide list of warming centers through its Citizen Portal under the “Shelters” tab. Additional safety resources, road condition links, and shelter information are also available on the Governor’s Winter Storm Resources page.
Officials recommend Arkansans prepare a 72-hour emergency kit that includes non-perishable food and water, flashlights with extra batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medications, backup power for medical devices, warm clothing, and extra blankets.
Drivers who must travel should also carry a winter vehicle kit, including blankets, bottled water, snacks, flashlight, phone charger or power bank, jumper cables, ice scraper, shovel, traction material such as sand or cat litter, and warning devices like flares or reflective triangles.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management serves as the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency, working year-round to reduce risks and strengthen emergency prevention, response, and recovery across Arkansas.
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