Agencies ready for winter storm expected tonight

Although the forecast appears to be changing regularly, one thing meteorologists are agreeing on is that Arkansas could see a major winter weather event this weekend.Agencies across the state are making plans to combat whatever falls, which at this time includes the full menu of winter weather such as freezing rain, sleet, snow and ice. Forecasts on Thursday showed that the weather is not expected to arrive in Eastern Arkansas until sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning. One of the main problems with this storm will be the low temperatures that accompany it which are expected to stick around through next week, meaning that whatever precipitation is received will be around for several days. Cannon Callicott, ARDOT District 1 Engineer, encourages everyone who can to stay indoors during the weather event. He said ARDOT workers will begin working around the clock on Friday and continue that pace until the roads are clear enough for traffic.“All of our plows and spreaders are hooked up and working. We’re preloading our equipment all across the district,” he said. “We’ll be focusing on the interstate. We will be pretreating ahead of this event and probably start that today. It’s looking now like some freezing rain may be coming in ahead of the storm.” Callicott urges everyone who can remain at home during the storm to do so. “We urge people that if they can avoid being out to stay home,” said Callicott. “If you have to get out, check iDrive Arkansas for road conditions. Also, please give our equipment plenty of space. When we’re plowing it makes visibility hard so use patience. Officials are also cautioning motorists to make sure their vehicles are full of fuel and tires inflated properly. They also suggest packing plenty of warm clothing, blankets, drinks and snacks, flashlights, phone chargers, ice scrapers and basic first aid supplies. “This may be one of those events where people have to spend the night in their car if they get out,” said Callicott. Forrest City Mayor Larry Bryant told the city council Tuesday that the city’s street department is getting its equipment ready and that the city will have a pair of warming centers for any residents or motorists who need a place to stay. “We use the Civic Center and the multipurpose center in inclement weather because it has showers and a kitchen,” said Bryant. “In the past, we have had buses and things of that nature coming in to utilize those facilities. Hopefully, we’ll get snow and not ice.” SFC Judge Craig Jones said the county’s road department is also prepared but can’t really work on the roads until something begins falling. He also announced that all county garbage pickup will be suspended for the entire week next week because the precipitation is expected to stick around. However, he said 30-yard dumpsters will be placed in Goodwin, at the Colt Community Center and at Widener City Hall. “I think it’s better to forgo pickup next week and start again on Monday, Feb. 2,” said Jones. “Each city also has eight-yard dumpsters and we’re not going to charge those cities for those in January. Try to use the dumpsters if you have extra trash and you can get to them.” There is also a dumpster behind the St. Francis County Courthouse for the public to use. “It’s going to be bad. All we can do is prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” said Jones. “Maybe, just maybe, we’ll miss it, but like always Interstate 40 is the dividing line.” Jones said that emergency services will be moved to the SFC Detention Center because it has a generator and the command center can be set up there if needed. Jones also said he would appreciate it if any county residents have chainsaws and can get to trees that may fall across roadways to help the county out by trying to remove those blockages. He said the county has placed chains on road graders and has trucks for spreading sand and salt, but reminds the public that the county will have to play it by ear depending on the winter event and precipitation. “If it’s solid ice, there’s no way we can get on the roads,” said Jones. “If not, we’ll work on the paved roads the county owns and try to clear them.” Arkansas State Police urge motorists to stay off the roadways due to the forecast and bitterly cold temperatures that are expected. “Staying home whenever possible helps reduce crashes, protects first responders and keeps routes clear for road crews,” said ASP officials. Those who must travel are reminded to use extra caution.

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