The winter in Arkansas is really something else, we have had many a horrific ice storm that has shut down the entire state, bringing life as we know it in Arkansas to a grinding halt. These types of storms are rare, but always possible, and while many a winter has been incredibly mild, we must always stay on guard lest something extreme happen. Many bad storms have occurred and caused issues, but maybe none so much as the shutdowns causes by this massive ice storm! Wrap up with a blanket as we look back to the 2000 Arkansas ice storm.

Let's take a look back in time to December 2000.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The month had two major winter storms. On Dec. 12th, a half inch of ice and 2 inches of snow blanketed most of the state. The more damaging storm happened at Christmas.
The Christmas Day ice storm froze the Ouachitas and River Valley with 3 inches of ice.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Power was knocked out over Christmas night.
By Dec. 27th, nearly 600,000 Arkansans were left without power.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Besides peoples homes having no heat, phone and cable lines froze and water lines burst.
The storm ravaged other states but Arkansas and Oklahoma were hit the hardest by the ice and snow.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The Oklahoma Governor declared the state a disaster area and Arkansas’ state government was totally shut down. The Arkansas Governor had to communicate via HAM radio in some parts of the state because of the many down lines.

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Most city residents went without power for two weeks, for folks in the county it was even longer.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Hackett outskirts didn’t get power until over three weeks after the storm ended.
It was the worst ice storm since 1819! The 2009 ice storm ranks in the top three since 1819.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The culprit was proven to be the warm, moist air from the southwest coming over a thin layer of cold air near the ground, meaning that any snow quickly turned to ice.
FEMA was delayed due to Little Rock’s airport being closed.
Flickr/LynnK827
FEMA Director James Lee Witt’s farm in Arkansas lost power as well.
Luckily, warnings came soon enough to let Arkansans prepare as much as possible. Regardless, the storm was overwhelmingly devastating for many citizens.
Flickr/Carolyn Hennings

What do you remember most about the horrific 2000 Arkansas ice storm? Do you think we’ll even have any snow this year? It’s so wild how some years Arkansas winters are as mild as ever, and others we have these horrendous types of ice storms. Do you do anything special to prepare for inclement weather? Arkansas is also home to a tornado alley if you didn’t know! So even in our warmest months, there is still the ever-present threat of extreme weather to prepare for!

If that was a bit too traumatic to scroll through, have a palate cleanser with these funny Arkansas memes that will have any local laughing. Perhaps you’re looking for more fun things to do in the warmer months, take a look at our list of summer day trips in Arkansas.

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More to Explore

Winter in Arkansas

Sara Dager | December 12, 2022

What were some other bad winter storms in Arkansas? 

The 2000 ice storm wasn't the only bad storm the state has seen! A few of the worst winter storms in Arkansas to occur were:

 

Where are the best places to visit in winter in Arkansas? 

If you are looking for exciting places to visit in winter in Arkansas, look no further than:

 

What are the best winter hikes in Arkansas to take? 

Lace-up your boots, put on your warmest outfit, and step out on these awesome winter hikes in Arkansas:

 

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