Key Highlights
- A major winter storm affecting Arkansas has caused widespread school and organization closures.
- The storm brought snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain into the region late Friday night and Saturday morning.
- Closures have been announced for schools, community organizations, churches, and government offices.
- Several city and state entities will be closed or operating on reduced schedules due to the severe weather conditions.
Winter Storm Brings Freezing Rain and Snow to Arkansas
A winter storm has brought a mix of snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain into the region late Friday night and Saturday morning. The severe weather is causing significant disruptions, with numerous schools, community organizations, churches, and government offices posting closure notices for this weekend and beyond.
School Closures
Local school districts are taking a proactive approach to ensure student safety by closing schools through Tuesday, January 27. The Little Rock School District is among those affected, with all schools and offices closed on Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27. Students can expect virtual or tele-modalities for their regular schedules during the closure period.
Community Organization Closures
Local community organizations are also feeling the impact of the severe weather. The Rock Region Metro has canceled all bus routes on Sunday, and state government offices will be closed on Monday, January 27, due to inclement weather conditions. City offices in North Little Rock have also been shut down for Monday, January 26. Sanitation services are suspended as roads and sidewalks are covered in snow.
City Council Meeting Cancellation
The cancellation of the North Little Rock City Council meeting scheduled for Monday at 6:00 pm is another significant disruption caused by the storm. This decision was made to ensure the safety of council members, staff, and attendees. The meeting will be rescheduled as soon as conditions improve.
Impact on Local Services
The winter storm has also led to power outages across Arkansas. While some essential services remain operational, others are facing challenges due to the severe weather. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is closing VA Medical Centers and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics for outpatient clinic care on Monday, January 26. Inpatient operations, emergency care, and dialysis will continue as usual.
Community Response
In the face of these challenges, local communities are coming together to support one another. Shelters across Central Arkansas have remained open to provide assistance for those in need during the storm. Additionally, the 501 Jeep Club is offering aid by providing lifts for essential workers through the storm.
Precautionary Measures and Recommendations
Residents are advised to stay indoors as much as possible and follow local weather advisories closely. Essential services such as emergency care will remain available, but non-essential travel should be avoided until conditions improve.
For the latest updates on closures and safety guidelines, residents can visit KATV’s winter storm page. The site provides a comprehensive list of all reported school and organizational closures.
By adhering to these recommendations and staying informed, communities can work together to navigate the challenges posed by this severe weather event.
For any updates or further information, please refer to the original article for exact dates, names, and numbers as provided.