Significant winter weather forecast for region
Highway department crews begin pretreating bridges across district
Area agencies are planning for the worst-case scenario due to the forecast of a significant winter weather event starting tonight.
Highway department crews began pretreating bridges along Interstate 40 today ahead of an ice storm forecast not only in this region, but across the state.
Cannon Callicott, ARDOT District 1 Engineer, said the department today also began operating on its around-the-clock inclement weather policy.
“We’re bringing in crews. Our night shift starts tonight, and we’ll be working 24 hours running two, 12-hour shifts until this thing is over,” he said.
Callicott said he requested help from Little Rock for local crews working along Interstate 40. “We actually have three more trucks coming in from Little Rock to work the Interstate to give us some added firepower. Ice is the worst thing we fight,” he said.
Callicott said the department is prepared just in case. “All of our salt houses are topped off and our brine tanks are full,” he said.
Callicott explained the pretreating process for bridges, saying workers “go in and apply a brine solution, which is basically a saltwater solution, on the roadways and bridges that helps keep any kind of freezing precipitation from bonding to the pavement so it makes it easier to peel off.”
A cold front expected to push into the area today has forecasters issuing warnings for an ice storm that could cause power outages and make travel difficult. Precipitation falling tonight is expected to change to freezing rain and eventually sleet and possibly some snow. Forecasters say significant amounts of icing are possible across the area. Cold temperatures are expected to continue into Friday morning, with wind chills in the single digits in some areas.
For Forrest City, the National Weather Service is predicting snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations between four-tenths to one-half inch, with winds gusting to 35 miles per hour.
“We’re looking at probably some significant freezing rain, which is probably the worst type of precipitation for us,” Callicott said. “Our biggest concern with the ice is downed power lines, which can shut down roads regardless, and if the ice is falling, we can’t treat the roads until it stops.”
He said the agency has road graders positioned along the interstate in case motorists slide off the road and need to be pulled out. “We also have side-by-sides with water and blankets in them to help stranded motorists, and the National Guard will have people out patrolling,” he said.
“It depends on how bad it gets and what it throws at us. If we get downed power lines across the interstate, we’re going to be in a world of hurt,” said Callicott. “It’s going to be a long next couple of days.”
Forecasters said travel is strongly discouraged, but those who must be on the roadways are encouraged to keep extra blankets, food, water and a flashlight in the vehicle in case of an emergency. They also encourage residents to prepare for possible power outages.
Anna Howton, with Woodruff Electric, said crews are ready to respond if power outages occur.
“We have been watching the forecast for several days and have crews preparing for possible outages throughout our service territory,” said Howton. “Our experienced and highly-trained crews have been preparing for the potential of winter weather with one goal in mind – to safely work day and night through potentially extreme winter weather conditions to restore power as quickly as possible.
“We are ready to put our knowledge, expertise and dedication to work in the coming days if needed,” Howton continued. “We've been in contact with our statewide association, Arkansas Electric, who has mutual aid on standby from other co-ops if extra crews are needed.
Howton also issued a reminder for people to stay away from downed power lines that could still be energized and potentially dangerous.
“Be sure to report outages by calling 1-888-559-6400 or 870633-7100,” said Howton. “The service territory outage map may be viewed online at www.woodruffelectric.com or by downloading the Woodruff Electric app on your smartphone.”
Entergy Arkansas is staging crews, equipment and supplies in the areas of the state expected to be hardest hit by the winter storm based on the forecast for bitter cold, sustained winds, sleet, freezing rain, snow and ice accumulations, according to Entergy spokesperson Brandi Hinkle.
“Extra weight on power lines caused by snow and ice can cause them to fall or stretch, possibly causing power interruptions,” said Hinkle in a press release. “While Entergy Arkansas manages growth of trees and bushes near electrical equipment, one half-inch of ice can increase the weight of a tree limb as much as 30 times, causing even smaller limbs to bend or snap, falling onto power lines and causing an outage.
“Additionally, wet and icy roads can make travel hazardous for crews. In the event of power outages, crews will begin assessing damages, then repairing equipment and restoring power as quickly as it is safe to do so,” Hinkle added.
“Restoration in extremely cold conditions may take a little longer, as energizing homes requires a different and methodical process. Rather than simply energizing an entire power line all at once, we must bring customers back online one section at a time to avoid damage to our system thereby worsening the situation,” Hinkle continued. “In the event power is lost at your home, customers are advised to turn off breakers to major appliances to prevent a spike in demand when power is restored. Turn them back on one at a time when your home is ready to receive power.”