Two dead, eight injured as state assesses winter storm damage

Arkansas emergency officials continue response and recovery efforts following a winter storm that brought snow, ice, and prolonged freezing temperatures to much of the state late last week.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management said its State Emergency Operations Center remains activated as officials coordinate damage assessments and public safety operations with county and state agencies.

The SEOC confirmed two fatalities connected to storm-related incidents. A 40-year-old man was killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident near Hope, and a 17-year-old male died in a separate ATV incident in Saline County. Authorities also reported eight injuries statewide, including three in Columbia County, one in Cleburne County, and four in Saline County.

Ahead of the storm, 27 counties declared local emergencies in anticipation of hazardous conditions caused by snow, ic,e and freezing temperatures. Emergency managers continue working with local officials to assess impacts and prioritize response efforts.

Early damage reports indicate several structures were damaged or collapsed under heavy ice accumulation and extended cold. Affected sites include marinas, agricultural facilities, and commercial and government buildings, according to emergency officials.

ADEM staff are compiling reports from across Arkansas and coordinating with affected counties to verify damage and determine potential next steps for disaster assistance.

The SEOC continues to work closely with the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas Department of Health, and local emergency management offices to address immediate hazards.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to report structural damage to their county emergency management officials.