Cold/Wind Chill — Craighead, Arkansas

2008-12-15 to 2008-12-16 · Craighead, Arkansas

Event narrative

Arctic air moved into the Midsouth during the day on December 15th, 2008. Temperatures dropped into lower 20s by the evening hours. Highs on the 16th did not reach above the upper 20s. One person died after he fell on the way to his vehicle during the late evening hours. He went undiscovered during the overnight hours. He died of hypothermia as a result.

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front pushed into Northeast Arkansas during the early morning hours of December 15th, 2008. Very shallow arctic air filtered into the region behind the front. Rain changed over to freezing rain and sleet. Ice and sleet accumulations occurred with amounts ranging from an quarter of an inch to up to an inch. The ice accumulations made roads hazardous to travel and many accidents occurred as a result.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 146142. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.