Arkansas Braces for Rapidly Deteriorating Winter Weather as Frozen Precipitation Arrives Friday Afternoon and Evening

ARKANSAS — A developing winter storm is expected to move into the state on Friday, with frozen precipitation arriving in stages from west to east. While this forecast represents an early “first look,” confidence is increasing that once precipitation turns frozen, travel conditions will worsen rapidly, particularly during the evening hours.

Meteorologists emphasize that arrival times may still shift slightly, but the current data provides a solid window for when impacts are most likely to begin.

Arrival Times Vary Across the State

Forecasters have divided Arkansas into arrival zones based on the most recent timing guidance:

• Western Arkansas: Frozen precipitation may begin before 3 p.m. Friday, making this region the first to see deteriorating road conditions.
• Central Arkansas (including Little Rock): Precipitation is expected to arrive between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, overlapping with the evening commute.
• Eastern Arkansas: The storm is likely to move in after 7 p.m. Friday, with conditions worsening quickly overnight.

Once frozen precipitation begins, conditions are expected to decline rapidly, regardless of the exact start time.

Why Conditions Could Go Downhill Quickly

Even though this timing forecast is not perfect, it highlights a critical concern: the transition to snow, sleet, or freezing rain on Friday evening. When surface temperatures drop below freezing, untreated roads can become hazardous in a short period of time.

Forecasters caution that minor timing shifts could still occur, but any delay would not reduce the overall impact — it would simply change when the worst conditions arrive.

Accumulation Forecast Still Pending

An updated accumulation forecast covering snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to be released later, which will further clarify how severe impacts may become. However, officials stress that timing alone is enough to raise concern, especially for commuters and anyone traveling Friday evening or overnight.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Residents

• Frozen precipitation may begin as early as Friday afternoon in western Arkansas
• Central Arkansas faces impacts during the evening commute window
• Eastern Arkansas likely sees impacts after sunset Friday
• Road conditions may deteriorate quickly once freezing precipitation starts

Bottom Line

Arkansas is facing a high-confidence winter weather setup where timing — not just accumulation — could drive major impacts. With frozen precipitation expected to arrive Friday afternoon and evening, residents should prepare for rapidly worsening travel conditions and stay alert for updated forecasts as new data becomes available.

Stay with Cabarrus Weekly for the latest timing updates, accumulation forecasts, and impact alerts as this winter storm approaches.