Little Rock, Arkansas – The first full week of meteorological winter has arrived in Central Arkansas, and with it came icy conditions and freezing rain that prompted several school districts to delay the start of classes on Monday, December 2, 2025. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory covering much of the region from 6:00 a.m. Monday to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, warning residents of slick roads and potential travel hazards.
According to the advisory, snow and sleet accumulations of a few tenths of an inch are expected primarily in northern Arkansas. Meanwhile, ice accumulation ranging from a light glaze to one tenth of an inch is forecast for much of west, central, north, and northeast Arkansas, with isolated pockets possibly seeing up to two tenths of an inch of ice. The combination of ice and freezing rain has prompted local school officials to take precautionary measures to keep students and staff safe.
Several districts in Central Arkansas have announced a two-hour delayed start for the school day, with some adjusting bus schedules to run later than usual. In Pulaski County Special School District, buses will operate two hours later than normal to ensure roads are safe for travel. “Safety is our top priority, and we encourage families to monitor weather conditions and plan accordingly,” district officials said.
Other districts following a similar approach include Lonoke Public School District and Beebe School District, both of which will begin classes two hours later than usual. Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is also implementing a two-hour delayed start, with buses running two hours later than normal to accommodate the icy road conditions.
For specialized and community-focused programs, Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc., which operates campuses in Cabot and Lonoke, announced a two-hour delay as well, allowing staff and students extra time to arrive safely. “We want to make sure every student and employee can travel safely in these winter conditions,” said a spokesperson for the organization.
The Cabot School District has taken additional precautions beyond the two-hour delay. While buses will run two hours later than normal, all morning extracurricular and athletic activities have been canceled for the day. Officials emphasized that safety concerns due to icy sidewalks and parking lots made the decision necessary.
Weather officials remind residents that even small amounts of ice can create slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks. Drivers are advised to reduce speeds, increase following distances, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with local school districts for any updates regarding schedules or cancellations as conditions evolve throughout the day.
While the delays may be an inconvenience, district leaders say they are essential to protecting students, staff, and families. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate these icy conditions and prioritize safety above all else,” Pulaski County Special School District officials added.
As Central Arkansas navigates the icy start to December, the Winter Weather Advisory serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with the first real taste of winter. School districts and local authorities will continue monitoring conditions overnight and into Tuesday morning to ensure travel remains safe and students can return to their normal schedules as soon as possible.
With the holiday season approaching and temperatures expected to remain near freezing, residents are urged to stay alert, prepare for icy patches on roads, and remain flexible with travel plans in the coming days. Safety, officials stress, is paramount in keeping both students and the wider community out of harm’s way during the winter weather event.
