Arctic blast settles in; schools consider closing

Area residents could be waking up to snow today.

Southwest and Southeast Arkansas and Northeast Texas are all under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. today.

Heavy snow was expected to start Monday night and result in hazardous travel conditions this morning, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, La. Total snow accumulations of one to three inches are expected with some higher amounts of up to four inches possible.

According to NWS, there should be significant reductions in visibility. Snow and ice accumulations on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses will be especially affected as well as secondary roadways.

Snow could continue through this morning. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing today and plunge into a hard freeze tonight according to the NWS.

Texarkana area schools have not yet chosen to close today ahead of the predicted arctic front possibly bringing snow and ice to the area.

Tina Veal-Gooch, spokesperson for Texarkana, Texas, Independent School District, said they, along with Pleasant Grove ISD, LibertyEylau ISD and Texarkana, Ark. School District, would evaluate road conditions and make the decision early this morning. If schools are closed, parents will be notified by phone and the closure will also be announced on social media.

Texarkana College, Texas A&M University-Texarkana and Southern Arkansas University will be closed today, along with Malta ISD and Hooks ISD.