Cold/Wind Chill — Crittenden, Arkansas

2026-01-26 · Crittenden, Arkansas

Event narrative

Minimum wind chill of -3F reported.

Wider weather episode

While the wintry precipitation created the initial impacts, it was the multi-day period of subfreezing temperatures that prolonged and, in many cases, worsened those impacts. The lack of meaningful thawing effectively extended the storm's footprint from a 2'3 day event into a nearly week-long hazard across eastern Arkansas. Limited melting during the day and refreezing each night kept roads hazardous well beyond the end of precipitation, especially on secondary roads and bridges. Prolonged freezing temperatures increased the risk of burst pipes, particularly in homes and buildings without adequate insulation or during extended power outages. The duration of cold posed risks for hypothermia and exposure, especially for vulnerable populations.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1313016. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.