Gov. Mike Beebe has declared a state of emergency on account of the winter storm that has hit Northwest Arkansas. He also allocated $25,000 for the Department of Emergency Management.
“We are known for wild weather swings in Arkansas, but to have snow, ice and severe thunderstorms in the same day is rare,” Governor Beebe said. “We are monitoring this storm throughout the morning to gauge where its impact will be heaviest.”
The Arkansas National Guard has already been helping with response, transporting cots and blankets to Northwest Arkansas, where snow and ice accumulations are expected to cause power disruptions as arctic air moves into the region.
The latest forecast from the Weather Service indicates Pulaski County will be spared the worst stuff, though there’s a chance of freezing rain, sleet and light snow in the evening.