Freezing rain and sleet are expected to affect areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas from Tuesday evening through early Wednesday, leading to dangerous travel conditions and the possibility of power outages.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for southwest Arkansas, north-central and northwest Louisiana, and northeast Texas. From 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, residents in these areas should be cautious as ice accumulations of up to several hundredths of an inch are expected. This could lead to dangerous conditions on roads, sidewalks, and bridges, making them extremely slippery.
In southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma, specifically in De Queen, Nashville, and Idabel, a combination of different types of precipitation is expected to start around noon on Tuesday and continue until 6 a.m. on Wednesday. During this time, there may be accumulations of snow and sleet, with the possibility of up to half an inch of snow and sleet, and ice accumulations possibly reaching two-tenths of an inch.
Officials are urging residents to exercise caution and slow down while traveling, as well as be prepared for potential power outages. It is important to stay updated on road conditions by calling 511 in your state. This winter system has the potential to greatly impact the Tuesday evening commute, particularly in cities such as Shreveport, Monroe, and Texarkana.