Icy Roads and Widespread Damage Follow Weekend Winter Storm in Southwest Arkansas

This past weekend’s winter weather brought sleet and freezing rain to the listening area, creating icy roads and dangerously cold conditions.

Southwest Arkansas received between one-half inch and three inches of sleet in some locations Friday night into Saturday morning. Certain areas also reported up to a quarter inch of freezing rain. The accumulation led to widespread damage across the region.

There have been multiple reports of roofs collapsing on businesses, chicken houses, and hay barns. Swaha Lodge and Marina sustained significant damage, with several docks collapsing. Owners there said it was the worst damage they have seen in their 58 years of operation.

Several local business closed on Monday. All area county courthouses were closed, local government offices were closed and area schools were closed due to road conditions.

While U.S. and state highways remain mostly drivable, the Arkansas Department of Transportation reports hazardous conditions on all highways in the region, primarily due to heavy ice buildup. City streets and county roads are in even worse condition, as many have not been treated or cleared.

Although the winter storm has moved out of the area, dangerous travel conditions are expected to persist in the days ahead because of a freeze-thaw-refreeze cycle. During daylight hours, sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures allow snow, sleet, and ice to partially melt. However, once temperatures drop below freezing overnight, that meltwater refreezes, creating new layers of black ice that are nearly impossible to see.

Roadways may appear wet when they are actually icy, especially early in the morning and after sunset. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas remain particularly hazardous because they freeze more quickly than other surfaces.

ArDOT says pretreatment efforts have helped keep many highways passable, but patches of ice remain. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Officials recommend staying off the roads if travel is not necessary, especially overnight and during early morning hours.

Authorities remind motorists that some of the most dangerous road conditions often occur after a winter storm, not during it. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution.