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UPDATE: Major winter storm paralyzing Central and Northern Arkansas

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Conway (Latresha Woodruff)
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Conway (Latresha Woodruff)
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Updated: 1/29/2010 2:45 pm Published: 1/25/2010 4:11 pm
Snow continues to fall in the northern part of Arkansas....with 6-12" and locally more in some areas, especially in NE Arkansas. Expect the snow to continue for the next several hours, then lighten up until the upper low moves through tonight.

In Central Arkansas, heavy sleet/freezing rain has been seen with significant ice accumulations. As temperatures have now dropped into the upper 20s in Little Rock, icing will occur on all roadways and travel is strongly discouraged through tonight. Conditions will not improve tonight, as more sleet/frz. rain is expected through the evening. In addition, light snowfall is possible as the upper level low moves through tonight, adding a few inches of snow on top of the ice that has already fallen.

In Southern Arkansas a mix of rain/sleet, and freezing rain is forecast off and on through the evening hours...with light ice accumulations possible, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Stay tuned to FOX16 and FOX16.com for further updates on this dangerous situation.

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

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  • Have an emergency weather radio to stay up to date on conditions in the event of a power outage.
  • Be careful with candles – do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
  • Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage. Locate unite away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
  • Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing. Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
  • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
  • If you plan on using a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended.
  • If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
  • Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling

  • When possible stay indoors during the storm.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.
  • Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
  • Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
  • Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
  • If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
  • Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.
  • Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
  • Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
Copyright 2010 Newport Television LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of FOX16 - Little Rock, AR News and Weather

arkyny - 1/29/2010 3:16 PM
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mikethebiker, it is meteorology, learn to spell before you go back to school. I came from upstate ny, and you think it is bad here, however, nothing and nobody should be out on this ice, only idiots and medical and police!
Mikerthebiker - 1/28/2010 4:37 PM
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choncha: sorry to hear about you're abusive treatment in the store. Yes, most southerners are pretty insane when it comes to a little bitty storm as we are expecting. I have seen some of the same on the road.I seen a lady one time just cussing up a blue streak beacuse some one was in her precious way......I agree, get a grip people!
choncha - 1/28/2010 3:11 PM
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Ok people, just because there is a chance of some bad weather doesn't mena we have to act like we belong in a padded room. I was at the store and it was insane. This one lady actually pushed me out the way to get the last gallon of milk !!! R U KIDDING ? I am from ks and WE don't even act this way when we get 5 inches of ice and snow. Get a grip people !
oldwidowlady - 1/26/2010 1:01 PM
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I have an idea....lets get ready for the ice and then when it does not come, we will be okay either way. just wait until Friday to worry about it when you are ready. like they say BE PREPARED. I personally don't think it will do much if anything although a three day weekend would be nice.......
alfisher3 - 1/25/2010 9:13 PM
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LOL, mikerthebiker I couldn't have said it better. I want to know if I can exchange my CIS degrees for one in Meterology. These guys couldn't predict the weather accurately with a time machine LOL.
Mikerthebiker - 1/25/2010 5:08 PM
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My predection....Hot Springs....nothing. I think I am going to go back to school for Meterology, how else could you get everything wrong and still keep your job?
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