Arkansas officials warn of ice forming overnight

The most dangerous moments in Arkansas’ wintry weather may come Wednesday morning, when motorists try to drive on roads with fresh ice from Tuesday’s snow melt.

Schools, state offices and many businesses were closed Tuesday, a day after a winter storm surprised residents with as much as a foot of snow across the northern two-thirds of the state.

Much snow remained on the ground in the northern third of the state. In Little Rock and the rest of central Arkansas, snow and slush melted on roadways.

The National Weather Service said any standing water should freeze overnight when temperatures dip into the teens and 20s.

Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department spokesman Randy Ort cautioned motorists to stay off the roads. Those who have to travel should pay extra attention.

“Where you see the wet spots and slush (Tuesday), that’s where you’re going to see ice (Wednesday) morning,” Ort said.

Major routes were passable Tuesday, despite five inches or more of snow falling over a wide area. Some parts of northern Arkansas got 10 inches or more.

Many major routes had slowdowns but they were largely cleared of snow, enabling traffic to flow, though often at lower speeds. Shady spots remained slick, sometimes surprising motorists, Ort said.

“Don’t forget about underneath overpasses,” Ort said. “There’s a lot of things motorists need to pay attention to.”

The southern third of Arkansas was clear of ice and snow, though flooding was reported on Arkansas Highway 7 between Camden and Arkadelphia.

Gov. Mike Beebe closed state offices in Little Rock and left it to managers elsewhere in the state to decide whether to open.

Entergy Arkansas went from as many as 14,000 customers without power to 1,400 Tuesday afternoon. Spokesman James Thompson said Entergy expected to restore electricity to remaining customers by Tuesday evening. Most were in the Little Rock and Hot Springs areas.

No serious injuries were reported, though there were plenty of vehicles in ditches or abandoned where they bogged down in Monday’s storm. In White County, the practice gym at Searcy High School collapsed under the weight of the snow.

In Faulkner and Pulaski counties, the Arkansas National Guard provided four all-wheel-drive ambulances and crews to help as needed.

The Clinton Presidential Center was closed Tuesday because of the weather.

The National Weather Service said another storm system is due Thursday night and Friday, but this one is expected to affect Arkansas’ southern half, though Little Rock also could get some snow.