[WHAT] Winter weather conditions, including accumulating snow, mixed sleet and snow, and some freezing rain is forecast to spread across the state today through Wednesday, resulting in widespread travel impacts.
[WHEN] Winter precipitation will begin across northwest Arkansas later this morning, and expand towards central to southern Arkansas by this afternoon to evening, and persist through Wednesday morning (February 19).
[WHERE] Significant accumulating snowfall is expected across the northern third of the state, with mixed precipitation including sleet/snow and freezing rain over the southern two-thirds of the state.
[ADDITIONAL INFO]
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of northern and central Arkansas due to heavy snow and sleet. This is where forecast confidence is highest for impactful accumulations.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the remainder of the state where lesser snow, sleet, and freezing rain totals are expected.
Hazardous cold is forecast by Wednesday morning with single digit to negative morning wind chill values forecast through Friday morning. Cold Weather Advisories are in effect for a large portion of the state tonight, and additional cold weather headlines will likely be needed through Friday morning.
Winter Weather Briefing for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
Winter Storm Warning criteria is variable across the state, and now incorporates impact and vulnerability with regard to winter weather.
[WHAT] Winter weather conditions, including accumulating snow, mixed sleet and snow, and some freezing rain is forecast over most of the state Tuesday through Wednesday, and will likely result in travel impacts across the state Tuesday through Wednesday.
[WHEN] Winter precipitation is expected to expand in coverage over the state from west to east Tuesday morning (February 18), and persist through Wednesday morning (February 19).
[WHERE] Accumulating snowfall is expected across the northern third of the state, with a transition zone of mixed precipitation and freezing rain more likely through the event over the southern two-thirds of the state.
[ADDITIONAL INFO] Portions of the Winter Storm Watch have been upgraded to a Warning as of Monday morning, highlighting where forecast confidence is highest for impactful snowfall. Changes to the watch area and forecast snowfall amounts are still possible.
Winter Weather Advisories should also be expected where lesser snow amounts and higher ice accruals are forecast.
Hazardous cold is forecast through the latter half of this week, with single digit to negative morning wind chill values possible Wednesday through Friday mornings. Cold Weather Advisories will likely be needed by Wednesday morning.