Lock and Dam Number 1 at Batesville on Jan. 27, 2026 / Image: White River Now
After a brief daytime thaw, freezing temperatures have returned, renewing travel concerns across much of northern Arkansas as the state continues to assess damage from last week’s winter storm.
Highs in the lower 40s on Tuesday helped melt snow and ice on some roadways, but overnight lows in the teens will cause refreezing in parts of north Arkansas by Wednesday morning. Many roads remained slick in spots, prompting most schools in the region to stay closed along with numerous county and city offices for Wednesday.
Forecasters said another cold stretch will continue through the end of the week. Lows tonight are expected to fall into the teens across the northern two-thirds of Arkansas, with lower 20s in far southern parts of the state. Patchy freezing fog is possible overnight into Wednesday morning, mainly across central and southern Arkansas.
Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy, with light north to northwest winds shifting to the southwest by afternoon. High temperatures are forecast near 40 degrees. A slight chance of rain and snow showers is possible Thursday night, followed by colder air returning Friday, with highs near 29 and overnight lows dropping into the single digits by early Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management said the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated as response and recovery efforts continue from the winter storm that moved through the state late last week.
Thirty counties declared local emergencies in anticipation of impacts from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Emergency officials are coordinating with county leaders and partner agencies to assess damage and support recovery operations.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture estimates that about 175 poultry houses were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Additional reports include damage to marinas and commercial and government buildings. State officials said damage assessments are ongoing as they work with affected counties to determine potential next steps, including disaster assistance.
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