ARKANSAS, USA — On the morning of Friday, Jan. 5, students across Arkansas woke up to the news they were out of school due to snowfall and road conditions.
The morning commute was forecasted to get slick in some spots as the snow showers moved into eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, which began crossing the state line right when that commute starts: between 4 and 6 a.m.
While most of the snowfall was light with quick bursts of snow at times, as the afternoon went on temperatures began to warm above freezing causing light raindrops to start to mix in, cutting down on further snow chances in the area.
That being said, those slick spots on our highways caused some traffic issues.
School closings for Jan. 5
Many major school districts in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley chose to close school for the day including Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Alma public schools.
Click here for an updated list of school closings due to the winter weather on Friday, Jan. 5.
Snow chances for Jan. 8-9
On Monday, Jan. 8, heavy rain is expected to move in Heavy rain will move in throughout Monday. Starting Monday night, cold air will start to move in, leaving the stage open for some snowfall on Tuesday morning.
We don't have a lot of details on how much snow because there may be some dry air that starts to work into the snow bands. Still, these snow showers may produce light accumulations across the western half of the state, especially in Northwest Arkansas and the mountains. This storm is still a few days out, so watch for updates.
First snowfall in Arkansas of 2024
Driving in snow safety
Snow and ice can cause dangerous road conditions for drivers. It’s safest to avoid driving when the roads get slick, but it’s still helpful to know some rules of the road in case you’re out on the road.
1. If you skid on ice/snow, steer in the direction you want to go
You can avoid skidding by simply driving slower, which will give you more time to stop. As soon as you feel your car start to slide, stop accelerating.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), which is the case for most modern cars, do not pump them to recover from a skid. Instead, apply steady pressure, the Missouri Department of Transportation suggests.
2. Don't use cruise control on icy roads
In these conditions, cruise control can impact how well the system is able to maintain a constant speed, resulting in a potential skid or spin, AAA says.
With cruise control on, the car is not completely in the driver’s control as it continues to accelerate at the same speed, making it harder to quickly gain control in dangerous road conditions.
Being in complete control of the car’s speed can be essential in preventing a crash. When a vehicle loses traction, the ability to reduce speed is compromised
3. Have items that can get you out of a jam while driving during winter weather
If you have to set out on the road during winter weather, be prepared. Having stuff like a shovel, sand, kitty litter, or other items that can create traction on hand can be life-saving.
If your car gets stuck in a pile of snow, pouring sand, kitty litter or gravel in the path of the wheels can help create traction.
- Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
- Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push the snow out of the way.
- Use a light touch on the gas to ease your car out.
- Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
- Try rocking the vehicle by shifting from forward to reverse, and back again. Give a light touch on the gas each time you’re in gear until the vehicle gets going.