Sat Jan 24 06:10:00 UTC 2026: # Northwest Arkansas Braces for Major Winter Storm: Heavy Snow, Sleet, and Arctic Cold Expected

The Story:
Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, and brutally cold temperatures this weekend. The storm is forecasted to begin late Friday, January 23, 2026, and continue through Sunday, January 25, 2026. Areas in Northwest Arkansas could see between 10 and 14 inches of snow, with some regions between Fayetteville and I-40 potentially receiving 14 to 18 inches. The River Valley is expected to get between 7 and 10 inches of sleet and snow. Alongside the precipitation, dangerously cold arctic air will settle in, with temperatures in the single digits and teens in Northwest Arkansas, and teens and twenties in the River Valley, with wind chills potentially dropping below zero. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, posing significant travel hazards.

Key Points:

  • Significant snow and sleet accumulations are expected across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
  • Northwest Arkansas could receive 10-14 inches of snow, with a higher potential of 14-18 inches in some areas.
  • The River Valley is expected to receive 7-10 inches of sleet and snow.
  • Dangerously cold arctic air will accompany the storm, with temperatures in the single digits and teens, and wind chills below zero.
  • The greatest road danger in Northwest Arkansas is expected between 11 PM Saturday and 6 AM Sunday.
  • The greatest road danger in the River Valley is expected between Midnight Saturday and 6 AM Sunday.
  • Road crews are preparing for hazardous conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The combination of heavy snow/sleet and extreme cold poses a significant threat to residents of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
  • Travel is strongly discouraged during the peak of the storm, particularly Saturday night and Sunday morning.
  • Residents should prepare for potential power outages due to heavy snow and ice accumulation.
  • Monitor local news and weather updates for the latest information and potential changes to the forecast.
  • The storm is part of a larger weather pattern impacting more than half of the U.S.

Impact Analysis:

The impending winter storm will have significant short-term impacts on the region. Road closures, school cancellations, and business disruptions are highly likely. The extreme cold poses a risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for vulnerable populations. Beyond immediate safety concerns, the economic impact could be substantial, affecting retail, transportation, and other sectors. The event highlights the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly severe weather events. This type of event could also create a strain on power grids, especially since the cold weather will demand more energy for heating, potentially leading to power outages which could have deadly consequences during these harsh conditions. This event underscores the critical role of local news outlets like 40/29 News in providing timely information and guidance to the community.

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