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Update 1:50 p.m. – Baxter County is now included in the Winter Storm Warnings issued by NWS.
A significant winter storm is set to impact much of Arkansas, with Mountain Home and North Central Arkansas expected to see dangerous conditions earlier than initially anticipated. The latest forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) now indicate snowfall could begin as early as Thursday at noon, with hazardous travel conditions expected to develop as snow starts to fall.
The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the state, with winter storm warnings expected to follow on Wednesday for large portions of Arkansas. Baxter County, including Mountain Home, is now forecasted to receive up to 3 to 4 inches of snowfall. Baxter County has not been issued a Winter Storm Watch at the time of writing as the criteria threshold of forecasted snow accumulation has not been met.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency for Arkansas ahead of the storm. The declaration authorizes measures to ensure public safety, including exemptions for commercial vehicles transporting essential goods, groceries, medical supplies, and utility equipment. Emergency response vehicles, such as utility trucks, are also permitted to bypass Arkansas Department of Transportation weigh stations through January 13 to expedite storm recovery efforts.
Residents of Mountain Home and the Twin Lakes area are strongly encouraged to prepare now by stocking up on essential supplies before conditions deteriorate. Snowfall is expected to create significant disruptions to daily activities no matter the accumulation amount, and state officials recommend avoiding all unnecessary travel once the storm begins.
As tracks shift and forecasts evolve–and they will–adjustments to snowfall predictions are expected. Stay informed by monitoring local updates with your preferred news broadcasters and the National Weather Service – Little Rock.
