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Severe Thunderstorm Warning expires at 12:30 AM on 2/4, issued at 11:30 PM Alleene, AR | Ashdown, AR | Ben Lomond, AR | Blevins, AR

Record breaking snow totals possible for central Arkansas


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Updated: 2/09/2010 7:57 am Published: 2/07/2010 7:59 pm
Originally, it was looking like some warm air was going to mix into the storm system affecting the state, allowing some rain to mix in during the day, cutting down on snow totals. However, the cold air has took a stronghold. Moisture streamed in from NE Texas, and when that hit the cold air it turned into snow.

As the system strengthened we saw snowfall rates of 2-3" an hour. Some sleet could was mixed in, but at this point, mainly snow is forecast.

The snow will begin to taper off tonight, and should end between midnight and 3am. Driving is already treacherous, with so much slush and snow on the ground. And as temperatures fall into the lower 20s tonight, all of that slush will freeze, and will create havoc for the morning drive tomorrow.

Forecast snowfall totals are as follows:
  • Central Arkansas, including Little Rock, Cabot, Conway, and Jacksonville...10-15"
  • Central Arkansas, including Hot Springs...5-10"
  • Northern Arkansas, including Batesville, Marshall, and Russellville...5-10"
  • Southern Arkansas, including Pine Bluff and Sheridan...3-5", mainly later today into tonight.
The 24-hour snowfall record for Little Rock was set back in 1893 with 13", and for North Little Rock, back in 1988 with 12". It is possible that these records could be broken.

Stay logged on to FOX16.com for the latest information.

Salvation Army warming center open

Due to the snow accumulation, The Salvation Army Area Command in Little Rock opened at 10 AM. However, the Warming Center at the Shelter has been open all day. The Center provides a safe refuge to the poor and homeless who need to escape the cold.

Deaths linked to extreme cold account for 0.8 percent of the nation's annual death rate.
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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of FOX16 - Little Rock, AR News and Weather

jleemar29 - 2/8/2010 4:34 PM
I was born and raised in Arkansas and we get the same weather every year, if people aren't use to it by now they never will be. I love the snow it's the ice i dislike ..... ARRRRRRGGGGG!!!

Annie54 - 2/8/2010 2:49 PM
here in Griffithville, we had 2 1/2 in of snow this morning. It is still snowing out there so we are in for more than 4 in.the last snow was in Jan, 2010. Before that maybe 10 years it seems like we had a snowstorm. Love the snow was born & raised in Michigan, so I am use to it.

Razorback - 2/8/2010 1:28 PM
JohnDeereGal, I lived in Montana and with studded tires on the back and snow tires up front on my LTD I drove carefully and only got stuck once when I parked on some ice. I was able to dig myself out with a shovel and get home. I've been sitting at home watching the same type of idiots you talked about spin out in front of my home over and over. They fishtail, drive too fast, spin the tires and have no sense. I bet a LOT of people's insurance goes up after today! (and seeing how they drive, they deserve it) Take it slow and easy and you'll get there.

johndeeregal64 - 2/8/2010 12:36 PM
Even though Arkansas is not usually prepared for this kind of weather, I am loving it. I am originally from Iowa, and believe it or not, I miss the snow. I hope anyone who HAS to be out in this, is careful. I had to go to Searcy early this morning for a meeting, and I couldn't believe the way some people were driving. 1 truck passed us thinking he was Andretti...Well, guess what, he ended up in the ditch. Luckily he was ok, but hopefully he learned a valuable lesson. He almost took another vehicle with him. So, please, everyone be careful out there. Snow is like a gun:It's only as safe as you make it to be...

mysharona76 - 2/8/2010 3:17 AM
Do you think there'll be a round of school closings this time around for the Conway area? About when do they make the determination?
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