A powerful cold front swept through Arkansas on Sunday, triggering a wave of severe weather and non-thunderstorm wind gusts that toppled trees, damaged property, and left thousands of residents in the dark.
The National Weather Service reported that the rapid onset of the front brought a sharp transition from severe storms to an unseasonably cold air mass. Throughout the afternoon, emergency crews across north central and northeast Arkansas responded to reports of downed power lines and structural damage caused by winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
Utility companies reported thousands of outages as the high winds disrupted service throughout the region. While the primary storm line moved east by Sunday evening, the wind and falling temperatures continued to pose hazards for residents and utility workers.
The National Weather Service in Little Rock has issued a Freeze Warning for the region, effective until 10 a.m. Monday. Forecasters warn that temperatures will plummet overnight, with wind chill values expected to reach the mid-teens by Monday morning. The hard freeze threatens early-season vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Relief from the cold is expected later this week. Forecasters anticipate a return to sunshine and warmer weather starting Wednesday, with high temperatures reaching the 80s by Thursday.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
