Little Rock, Arkansas – As a significant winter storm looms over Arkansas’s capital, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., along with the City of Little Rock’s emergency management team, outlined the city’s preparations today, urging residents to take the approaching storm seriously and avoid unnecessary travel. With bitter cold and hazardous road conditions forecasted, officials emphasized that the city is fully mobilized to protect the safety, health, and welfare of residents.
The National Weather Service has issued both a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning for Little Rock, signaling the potential for dangerous ice, snow, and frigid temperatures. In a news conference held earlier today, Mayor Scott highlighted the city’s readiness and long-standing commitment to public safety. “Each and every time there is a winter weather event or crisis, we operate with a steady hand and a calm manner, making sure residents know we keep the health, safety and welfare of our City at the front of our minds,” Mayor Scott said. “We are ready for what is about to come.”
City crews from the Public Works Department have been working since the predawn hours to pretreat bridges, overpasses, and steep streets, ensuring key thoroughfares remain passable. Workers are operating in continuous 12-hour shifts and will remain on duty around the clock until streets are cleared of snow and ice. Once precipitation begins, crews will first focus on the city’s nine designated snow routes, before moving on to secondary and neighborhood streets.
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Seventeen trucks equipped with salt and sand spreaders, snowplows, and two motor graders will be deployed to clear and treat roadways. Officials urge motorists to exercise caution and provide plenty of room for these vehicles as they work. Drivers who must be on the road are encouraged to maintain a safe following distance and drive carefully to prevent skidding and accidents. “Motorists who must drive should be patient and vigilant, maintaining safe distance between other vehicles to avoid braking that would cause a vehicle to skid,” the city advised.
In addition to public works operations, the Little Rock Police Department, Fire Department, and 911 emergency call centers will remain fully staffed and operational throughout the storm, ready to respond to emergencies. Residents can stay updated on street closures, traffic hazards, and other safety information by visiting LittleRock.gov or following the City of Little Rock on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Emergency services have also activated a cold-weather shelter at Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St., which will open at 6 p.m. today and remain operational 24 hours a day until further notice. The shelter provides a warm and safe environment for anyone in need, and no identification is required for entry. City officials stressed that the shelter is available to all residents who may be vulnerable to the extreme cold.
Sanitation services will also be affected by the storm. Both City of Little Rock trash collection and WM recycling services scheduled for Saturday are canceled. Due to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday earlier this week, normal collection schedules were already adjusted. Services will resume once road conditions are deemed safe. Residents whose pickup is canceled are encouraged to place extra trash and recyclables curbside for collection on their next scheduled service day.
City parks are taking precautions as well. Vehicle access is closed at Crump Park, Hindman Park, and Meriwether Park, though pedestrians may still enter. Rebsamen Park and First Tee golf courses will remain closed until Wednesday, January 28, weather permitting. Additionally, all restrooms within city parks will be closed during the winter weather event. The Little Rock Zoo is also closed at least through Monday, allowing staff to care for animals and ensure visitor safety. It will reopen once pathways are cleared and it is safe for guests to return.
Myor Scott stressed that the City’s approach to winter storms is proactive and organized, relying on a combination of trained crews, specialized equipment, and timely communication with residents. By mobilizing emergency shelters, adjusting sanitation services, closing facilities as needed, and keeping public safety departments fully staffed, Little Rock aims to minimize risk to residents while maintaining essential services.
For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to follow the City of Little Rock on Facebook, X, or Instagram and download the City of Little Rock app through the App Store or Google Play. Officials remind the public that preparation and caution are key to weathering the storm safely and that staying informed can make a significant difference during severe winter events.
With the winter storm expected to impact travel and daily routines, Little Rock’s comprehensive response demonstrates the city’s commitment to keeping residents safe while maintaining essential services. Officials are asking the public to heed warnings, remain indoors whenever possible, and use resources provided by the city to navigate the challenges posed by the storm.
