The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, ADEM has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of a significant winter storm expected to impact much of Arkansas beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.
The elevated activation allows state agencies and emergency partners to coordinate closely, rapidly respond to county resource requests, and support life-safety operations, transportation needs, and power restoration efforts as weather conditions deteriorate.
Forecasts indicate a large band of snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain will move across Arkansas, bringing hazardous travel conditions, possible power outages, and dangerously cold wind chills.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, ADEM urges residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm to keep roadways clear for emergency responders and utility crews. If travel is unavoidable, drivers should check road conditions before leaving using IDrive Arkansas, allow extra travel time, and prepare for delayed emergency response due to icy or snow-covered roads.
For individuals needing shelter, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, ADEM has published a statewide list of warming centers through its Citizen Portal, accessible under the “Shelters” tab. Additional winter weather safety resources, road condition links, and local shelter information are also available on the Governor’s Winter Storm Resources page.
Officials recommend all households 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 safety 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 reflective triangles or flares.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, ADEM serves as the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency, working year-round to strengthen prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery across Arkansas.
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