It's no secret that Arkansas typically has mild winters, however, some years can get absolutely crazy! Some years are unforgettable, and not in the good way. Here are our picks for some of those crazy times when we got totally walloped - some of the worst winter storms in Arkansas history did exactly that: they made history, and not always positively. Here's a few infamous Arkansas winter storms in all their ferocious glory:
1. Arkansas sees its coldest day in history, 1905:
On February 13th, 1905, Pond, Arkansas, recorded a low temperature of an incredible -29 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures that low, warm water thrown into the air with a cup or bowl will instantly turn to vapor. It's also quite painful to breathe! We can't imagine that this frigid day was very much fun for anyone.
2. The Ice Storm of 1983
This arctic outbreak froze the Arkansas River on December 12th, 1983! The temperature didn't get above freezing for 10 days. Ice. Coated. Everything.
To see some archive footage from this event, you can watch a video: here.
3. A Freak May Snowstorm
This may not be one of the worst winter storms in Arkansas, per se, but it's certainly worth mentioning! No snow had ever been recorded in Arkansas during the month of May for as long as record-keeping began, which was in 1819. In May 2013, that changed when snow fell across northwest Arkansas. Decatur reached five inches of snowfall!
4. The most snowfall in (recent) Arkansas history:
Siloam Springs hit a new record for most snowfall in a day at more than two feet! 24.5 inches were recorded February 9th, 2011 which is four times the average of the expected snowfall for the area.
5. The ice storm of 1998:
Not the worst in Arkansas history, either, but a significant ice storm did hit the southern part of the state in December 1998. Along with the ice, Pine Bluff was also coated in snow. Brrr!
6. January Tornadoes
You read that right. Tornadoes in January! Between January 21st and January 23rd, 1999, Arkansas experienced something quite strange: the state underwent a tornado outbreak, along with the rest of the Midwestern and southern US. It was the largest tornado outbreak to occur in January, and Arkansas saw more than 50 tornadoes during this time.
7. The Ice Storm of 2009
This was the worst ice storm in recent Arkansas history, second only to the dreadful ice storm of 2000. The grip of the ice caused $80 million in damage throughout the state, and life ground to a halt for a short time.
8. The Ice Storm of 2000
We definitely couldn't discuss the ice storm of 2009 without giving respect to the one of 2000. The absolute worst ice storm that ever happened in Arkansas history occurred in December 2000. Up to three inches of ice knocked 600,000 Arkansans out of power for upwards of three weeks.
A Stay at Lake Powell Resort Was Our Best Option for Outdoor Adventure in Northern Arizona
The Scarecrow Festival at Shangri-La Botanical Gardens in Texas Is One of My Family’s Annual Autumn Traditions
We Love the Serene Trails at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Pennsylvania so Much, We Keep Visiting
To learn more about the storm’s devastation, you can read our article about the event here.
Arkansas has had some bizarre and intense winter weather, what do you think this season will have for us? Share your predictions in the comments below!
For more wacky weather, check out these times the weather was too weird for words.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!