Ice Storm — Craighead, Arkansas

2009-01-26 to 2009-01-28 · Craighead, Arkansas

Event narrative

A half inch to an inch of ice fell across Craighead County. Widespread power outages occurred. Three shelters were opened. Roads impassable.

Wider weather episode

The combination of abundant moisture, a low pressure system moving through the region, and cold air at the surface caused an ice storm to occur over Northeast Arkansas. Most of the precipitation fell in the form of freezing rain. Toward the end of the event, precipitation changed briefly to sleet and snow. Significant ice accumulations occurred with Randolph and Clay Counties being hardest hit. One to two inches of ice fell across Northeast Arkansas in addition to one inch of snow. A quarter of an inch of ice fell across East-Central Arkansas. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down from the ice storm. Some counties lost anywhere from seventy to one hundred percent of their power during the peak of the storm. This occurred mainly across Northeast Arkansas. Emergency shelters were opened for storm victims. Roads were very hazardous to travel and many accidents occurred as a result. Five deaths occurred from the storm. One was a result of hypothermia. Two deaths occurred from falling trees.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 148731. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.