Winter storm paralyzes highways

A powerful winter storm is causing widespread disruptions across the South, with heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain creating hazardous travel and school closures. Arkansas roads, including major highways like I-40, are experiencing dangerous conditions and accidents.

The ongoing winter storm has unleashed heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures across the South, causing widespread disruptions. Governors in Texas, Arkansas, and other states have declared states of emergency. Arkansas' Governor activated the National Guard to assist stranded drivers.

Northern Arkansas and much of Tennessee expect 8–10 inches of snow by the end of this event, while areas further south face a mix of heavy snow and try precipitation, including freezing rain. Schools in Little Rock, Ark., and many cities across the region are closed today, and hazardous road conditions are widespread. Portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama also face icy conditions.

The storm has already dumped up to 7 inches of snow in Oklahoma and northern Texas, creating treacherous travel with jackknifed trucks and shut-down highways. In southern Oklahoma, I-35 turned into a parking lot after a major crash.

Over 4,500 flights were delayed, and 2,000 more were canceled Thursday, with Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport was heavily impacted. Schools in Dallas, Texas, closed, leaving hundreds of thousands of students at home.

The storm’s effects stretch over 1,400 miles, threatening major disruptions through the weekend. Atlanta faces icy conditions and its first chance of measurable snow in years. As snow spreads to the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic, dangerous travel and power outages are expected to persist.