LITTLE ROCK – Hours ahead of a significant winter storm, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., and the City of Little Rock’s emergency response team updated Little Rock residents today on the City’s preparations for the weather event. At a news conference, Mayor Scott urged residents to stay indoors and off the roads because of the anticipated hazardous conditions and bitter cold.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning for Arkansas’s capital city.
“Each and every time there is a winter weather event or crisis, we operate with a steady hand and a calm manner, making sure residents know we keep the health, safety and welfare of our City at the front of our minds,” Mayor Scott said. “We are ready for what is about to come.”
Mayor Scott said crews from Little Rock’s Public Works Department have been working since the predawn hours today to pretreat bridges, overpasses and steep streets. Crews are working in continuous 12-hour shifts around the clock until streets are clear.
At the onset of winter precipitation, crews will begin treating and clearing the City’s nine designated snow routes before moving to neighborhood streets. The Public Works Department will utilize 17 trucks fitted with salt/sand spreaders and snowplows, in addition to two motor graders. Motorists are asked to leave plenty of space for trucks and equipment being used to clear streets.
Though residents are strongly encouraged to stay off roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary, drivers who must travel should be patient and vigilant, maintaining safe distance between other vehicles to avoid braking that would cause a vehicle to skid.
Motorists who must drive are asked to visit LittleRock.gov and follow the City of Little Rock on Facebook, X or Instagram to learn of any weather-related street closures.
The Little Rock Police Department, Fire Department and 911 center will remain fully staffed and operational during the storm.
Additional winter weather updates from the City of Little Rock:
EMERGENCY SHELTER: Little Rock’s cold-weather emergency shelter will mobilize today at 6 p.m. and remain open 24 hours a day until further notice. The shelter is located at Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St. The shelter is open to anyone who needs a warm, safe and dry place to stay. No ID is necessary.
TRASH AND RECYCLING: City of Little Rock sanitation and WM recycling pickup is canceled for Saturday. Because of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday this week, today’s normal trash and recycling collections were pushed back a day. Trash and recycling service will resume when road conditions are no longer dangerous. Residents whose service is canceled because of weather may place extra bags curbside for pickup on their next regular collection day. Additional recyclable materials may be placed in cardboard boxes next to recycle bins.
PARKS: Gates at Crump Park, Hindman Park and Meriwether Park are closed to vehicles, though pedestrian access remains open. Rebsamen Park and First Tee golf courses are closed until Wednesday, Jan. 28, weather permitting. And, all restrooms within city parks are closed during the winter weather.
ZOO: The Little Rock Zoo is closed at least through Monday, to allow staff to care for animals and protect the safety of guests. The Zoo will reopen when pathways are clear and it is safe for guests to return.
For more information and the latest winter weather updates from the City of Little Rock, follow the City on Facebook, X or Instagram and download the City of Little Rock app in the App Store or Google Play.