Region prepping for possible winter storm

North Arkansas is under a Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel

The NWS says a winter storm system approaching from the west will bring 1 to 4 inches of snow and sleet accumulation to portions of the area. Locally higher amounts are possible, and ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-half of an inch are possible.

Winter weather will return to the forecast for much of the state as the colder air surges south behind a cold front Wednesday. All wintry weather precipitation types will be possible over a large portion of the state Wednesday through Thursday, according to the NWS’s forecast from Tuesday morning.

Along and north of a line from Jasper to Mountain View to Cherokee Village, one to two-tenths of an inch of ice can be expected. Sleet and snow accumulations may range from 1 to 4 or more inches. The heaviest sleet/snow accumulations will be in the highest terrain and across far northwest portions of the area.

Locally higher amounts over a half-inch are possible encompassing an area from Walnut Ridge to Batesville to Heber Springs. Some sleet/snow will also be possible with this freezing rain accumulation with a dusting to an inch of snow/sleet possible.

Entergy Arkansas is staging crews, equipment, and supplies in areas of the state likely to be the hardest hit later this week based on a forecast for bitter cold, sustained winds, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and ice accumulations, according to a release from the utility.

Extra weight on power lines caused by snow and ice can cause them to fall or stretch, possibly causing power interruptions. While Entergy Arkansas manages growth of trees and bushes near electrical equipment, one half-inch of ice can increase the weight of a tree limb as much as 30 times, causing even smaller limbs to bend or snap, falling onto power lines, and causing an outage.

Additionally, wet and icy roads can make travel hazardous for crews. In the event of power outages, crews will begin assessing damages, then repairing equipment and restoring power as quickly as it is safe to do so, the release said.

Entergy says it is important to be prepared at your home or business for freezing weather and possible power outages with a basic emergency supply kit, along with a family emergency plan. Act now to winterize your home or business with some simple steps like insulating water pipes, caulking, and weather-stripping doors and windows, and ensuring fire extinguishers are ready for use.

In the event power is lost at your home, customers are advised to turn off breakers to major appliances to prevent a spike in demand when power is restored. Turn them back on one at a time when your home is ready to receive power.

Also, keep refrigerator doors closed but open cabinets that house water pipes. In doing so, food is less likely to spoil, and pipes are less likely to freeze and burst.

If you choose to use a generator, be sure to follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for safe usage.

Stay Informed in Several Ways

An important part of weathering a severe storm includes staying informed before, during, and after an event. To stay current on Entergy’s preparations and restoration efforts:

• Download the Entergy app here. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
• Sign up for text messages about storm and restoration efforts by texting REG to 36778.
• Follow Entergy Arkansas on social media, as it plays an important role in keeping customers informed. Search for @EntergyArk on Facebook and Twitter.
• The Entergy Storm Center website has storm safety, preparation, and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.

Entergy says restoration in extremely cold conditions may take a little longer, as energizing homes requires a different and methodical process. Rather than simply energizing an entire power line all at once, the utility says it must bring customers back online one section at a time to avoid damage to our system thereby worsening the situation.

Entergy also reminds everyone that one-half inch of ice can add 500 pounds of weight on power lines, as well as tree limbs which could then fall onto power lines and people. It’s safest to avoid the area near ice-laden power lines and tree limbs; however, if you see downed or low-hanging lines, stay away, and call 1-800-9OUTAGE to report them.

Stay connected to White River Now, and the White River Now family of radio stations for severe weather information.