ARKANSAS, USA — Last week Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring, but Arkansas may not have missed that message.
As the weather began to warm up to the 60s in Arkansas, the winter weather sneaked up once again. For the first time in a few weeks, we may have some slick roads for the morning commute on Feb. 12.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation's (ARDOT) public information officer Dave Parker said drivers may need to allow a little more time on the way to work on Monday morning.
“Allow for a good 15 to 20 minutes more time for sure because it's coming in that critical time of, you know, four or five, six o'clock if you can delay it until, you know 9 or 9:30 [a.m.], that would be advisable but you know everyone has to get to work we have things to do ... whatever it is just plan on a little longer trip to school or work or what have you,” Parker advised.
They will be salting the roads early Monday morning in both Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, however, they won’t be able to do any pre-treatment due to the rain.
“You know, we're looking at it coming in that four or five, six o'clock window more so to the northwest," he said. "We've got crews coming in ... Northwest Arkansas at midnight. We've got crews coming in in the River Valley around four o'clock since it's going to work its way a little bit north to south," Parker said."
Northwest Arkansas is expecting around 4 to 6 inches of snow, while the River Valley expects mainly a dusting and 1 to 2 inches in some areas.
"You know we're not expecting a huge accumulation but the fact that it's coming in during that morning rush is a bit concerning," Parker said. "We can't really do any pre-treating because the rain will come in first and then, of course, change the snow and the rain will wash away a lot of that.”
While many people thought it was time for spring, Parker says Mother Nature said, "Not so fast."
“Mother Nature reminded us that winter is not over," he said. "So again, just kind of take it easy in the morning.”
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