Winter storm brings more than expected to area

WESTSIDE — Gentry, Decatur and Gravette residents awoke Friday morning to temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, cloudy skies and winds gusting to 45 miles per hour and more at times as Winter Storm Malcolm made a brief appearance in Northwest Arkansas.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a high wind advisory for Northwest Arkansas from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday. With sustained winds from 30 to 40 miles per hour and gusts over 45, the advisory was mainly for travel, particularly high profile vehicles (vans and tractor-trailer trucks). Very little damage was reported in the area, mainly downed tree limbs. But Winter Storm Malcolm had a big surprise in store for area residents later that afternoon.

The forecast called for less than a 20 percent chance of precipitation during the day, but Winter Storm Malcolm had other plans.

Around 3 p.m. the southwest quadrant of Malcolm moved through the area, bringing with it brief periods of sleet and snow. By late afternoon, moderate snow developed and began to accumulate on the ground. The roads were wet but passable.

By early evening, places like Gravette, Decatur and Gentry had around a quarter to half an inch of the white stuff.

Shortly after sunset, a few snow showers remained in the area and, by Saturday, Winter Storm Malcolm had moved off to the east. By midday, the snow that covered the ground the afternoon before was gone.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Heavy winds cause the flags at Decatur City Hall to whip around as blowing snow begins accumulating near the Decatur Fire Department. The backside of Winter Storm Malcolm produced 30-45 mile per hour winds, causing snowy conditions in Northwest Arkansas.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS A light dusting of snow and sleet begins to accumulate on the ground at Field Kindley Park in Gravette Friday afternoon. Winter Storm Malcolm brought unexpected brief sleet and snow showers, in addition to high winds, to the Northwest Arkansas area.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Pellets of sleet begin to pile up in one of the planters at Decatur City Hall.