CITY OF LITTLE ROCK PLANS FOR SEVERE WINTER WEATHER  

LITTLE ROCK – The City of Little Rock has begun executing preparations for possible winter weather forecasted to begin Thursday and likely continuing into the weekend. City Officials gathered at the Emergency Operations Center for a pre-storm briefing Thursday morning. 

“I have already brought together our hardworking Public Works and Emergency Management Departments, our Police and Fire Chiefs, as well as local utility service providers while we continue to monitoring the approaching storm,” said Little Rock City Manager Bruce T. Moore. “The City of Little Rock is prepared for severe winter weather.”

Public Works crews are on standby and the first night crew will arrive at midnight Thursday to operate loaders and spreaders. A larger day crew will arrive Friday and continue road clearing as well as mixing and moving material and operating chain saws. Fleet Services and Public Works have ensured that every piece of equipment is mounted, staged and in optimal operating condition.

“With the potential for high winds, citizens should be mindful of power lines and tree limbs that may become weighed down with ice and sleet,” said Moore. “Avoid parking under or near utility poles and trees to prevent unnecessary damage.”

“We recommend that citizens always have non-perishable food items, bottled fresh water and batteries on hand in preparation for emergency events like severe weather,” added Moore.

Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing and likely to stay there with lows possibly reaching single digits early next week. The Jericho Way homeless day resource center will be open and their transport vans will run during normal hours only if roads are safe to travel on.

“Our homeless services coordinator has advised all of the Jericho Way clients to find a bed in a shelter and to stay there while temperatures are expected to stay below freezing,” Moore said.

Homeless shelters in the Little Rock area have approximately 195 open beds. These shelters will allow homeless residents to stay inside throughout the day if temperatures are below freezing. These shelters may be in need of donations of blankets, coats and food during this time.

Arkansas Red Cross is identifying shelters throughout Little Rock that will be opened to residents without power if the need arises. The Red Cross will announce the location of those shelters as they are opened. Download the Red Cross’ Tornado App for up to date information.

For emergencies, please dial 911. The City’s non-emergency 311 number will be staffed for extended hours from 7:30am until 7:00pm through Sunday.

For up to date information about the response to severe winter weather inside Little Rock:

Twitter:  @CityLittleRock

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/CityLittleRock

City Media Releases:  www.littlerock.gov/CityManager/Divisions/PublicRelations

Red Cross: @ArkRedCross

Entergy Arkansas:  @EntergyArk

State Road Conditions:  www.idrivearkansas.com

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