Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

LITTLE ROCK — With between three and five inches of snow possible according to the National Weather Service, Arkansas is preparing for another round of winter weather.

A winter storm warning is in effect from noon Tuesday to noon Wednesday for portions of East Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee. Heavy snowfall is expected, with total accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. This will likely cause slippery road conditions, affecting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

Travelers are advised to prepare with emergency supplies in vehicles and check state road conditions by calling 511.

On Monday, the Arkansas governor declared a state of emergency:

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:         

DR 25-02:​ WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY DECLARATION

WHEREAS:​ On or about February 18, 2025, severe winter weather is expected to strike Arkansas and cause dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state. This executive action is now warranted to alleviate such conditions;

WHEREAS:​ Adverse circumstances may come to bear upon citizens and properties in Arkansas, as a result of the severe weather;

WHEREAS:​ The weather-related conditions could create the need for commercial vehicles to haul heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment for the purpose of restoring utility services to the citizens of Arkansas;

WHEREAS:​ The weather-related conditions could result in a backlog of deliveries by commercial vehicles transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas; and

WHEREAS:​ Pursuant to 49 CFR §390.23, a motor carrier or driver operating a commercial motor vehicle shall be exempt from 49 CFR §§ 395.3 and 395.5 for up to fourteen (14) days following the declaration of an emergency by theGovernor of a State, so long as the motor carrier or driver is providing direct assistance in response to the declared emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Act 511 of 1973, as amended, do hereby declare:

(1) That a state of emergency exists in the State of Arkansas as applied to commercial vehicles hauling heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment for the purpose of restoring service to citizens and properties in Arkansas;

(2) That a state of emergency exists in the State of Arkansas as applied to commercial carriers transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas during this emergency, including but not limited to groceries, pharmacy items, medical equipment, goods, commodities, fuel, poultry, livestock, and feed;

(3) That a state of emergency exists in the State ofArkansas as applied to emergency response vehicles, such as, but not limited to, utility vehicles, bucket trucks, and electric utility supply trucks responding to the storms and related damage. These emergency response vehicles are authorized to bypass all Arkansas Department of Transportation weigh station facilities throughFebruary 24, 2025. This authorization does not include vehicles that require permits to operate on Arkansas’ roadways. This authorization does not relieve size and weight restrictions. This declaration only applies to weigh stations and to vehicles traveling in convoy; and

(4) This emergency shall remain in effect untilFebruary 24, 2025, unless terminated or extended by an amendment to this order.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 17th day of February, in the year of our Lord 2025.

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