Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Arkansas, January 26 to 28, 2009

Name: Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Arkansas, January 26 to 28, 2009
Start: 2009-01-26T09:00
End: 2009-01-28T08:00
Location: Arkansas

January 26 to 28, 2009 · NWS LZK · 40 events in 40 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 29 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $675 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 40

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS LZK wrote it up.

Freezing rain and sleet moved into northern and western Arkansas during the afternoon and early evening on the 26th, then spread rapidly eastward. By later on the night of the 26th, most of the precipitation was falling in the form of freezing rain. During the day of the 27th, almost continuous freezing rain fell across the north, with ice accumulating rapidly. Over central parts of the state, temperatures warmed just enough to change most of the precipitation to rain, while rain fell in the south. Freezing rain continued in the north through the evening of the 27th, before turning over to light sleet and snow during the late night hours of the 27th and early on the 28th. Through central Arkansas and part of southern Arkansas, rain changed to freezing rain and sleet, then to a little snow. In the southeast corner of the state, most of the precipitation fell as rain.

The end result was a devastating, historic ice storm across northern Arkansas. Across the northern two rows of counties, ice accumulations were mainly in the 1 to 2 inch range, with a few greater totals at the highest elevations. Elsewhere in northern Arkansas, ice totals in the 1/2 to 1 inch range were more common, with 1/4 to 1/2 inch amounts in west central parts of Arkansas. The snow at the end of the winter weather episode was mainly 1/2 to 1 inch in the north, although there were some totals near 2 inches in counties close to the Missouri border. In the central part of the state, snow totals ranged from a trace to a few tenths of an inch.

The ice storm knocked out electricity to more 300,000 electric customers. More than 10,000 power poles were broken or toppled, and hundreds of miles of power lines fell to the ground. Thousands of transformers had to be replaced. Telephone service was knocked out to many areas, and some places suffered a lack of water and sewer service.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

24 ice storm, 16 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Weather, Pike

When: January 26, 9:00 AM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Pike forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.164, -93.656 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Clark

When: January 26, 9:00 AM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Clark forecast zone
Reported by: AWSS
Coordinates: 34.051, -93.176 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Twelve accidents occurred across the county. Most of these accidents occurred on Arkansas Highway 7 at the Caddo River bridge.

Ice Storm, Boone

When: January 26, 1:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Boone forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported that 1/2 to 1 inch of freezing rain had accumulated by 5:30 AM on the 27th, with up to 2 inches of freezing rain and sleet combined.

Ice Storm, Marion

When: January 26, 1:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Marion forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.268, -92.684 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1 1/2 inches of ice across the county with numerous power outages by 5:00 AM on the 27th.

Ice Storm, Baxter

When: January 26, 1:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Baxter forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.287, -92.337 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

According to the National Weather Service cooperative observer at Mountain Home 1/2 to 1 inch of freezing rain and sleet had already accumulated by 4:15 AM CST on the 27th. At 8:00 AM, a storm spotter 3 miles northeast of Mountain Home reported 1/2 inch of ice atop 1 1/2 inches of sleet. The automated observing station at Mountain Home measured 0.24 inch of freezing rain between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. At 10:45 AM, a KYTV viewer in Mountain Home reported between 1 and 1 1/2 inches of ice clinging to tree branches.

Winter Weather, Garland

When: January 26, 1:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Garland forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.577, -93.150 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ice Storm, Fulton

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Fulton forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.382, -91.818 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1/4 inch of ice across the county by 5:30 AM on the 27th. At 8:45 AM, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative reported that they had 1/2 to 3/4 inch of ice hanging off their power lines.

Ice Storm, Sharp

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Sharp forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.161, -91.480 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The National Weather Service cooperative observer reported 1/2 to 1 inch of ice across the county by 5:30 AM on the 27th. The cooperative observer at Evening Shade reported 1 inch of ice on the ground at Noon.

Ice Storm, Newton

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Newton forecast zone
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported 1/2 inch of ice in Jasper by 5:30 AM on the 27th, with 2 1/2 to 3 inches of ice in the highest elevations of the county. At 1:00 PM, the National Weather Service Cooperative observer reported as much as 1 inch of ice clinging to the trees, and that trees had fallen and power was out. Mockingbird Hill, Nail and Arkansas Highway 74 were blocked by downed power lines and trees.

Ice Storm, Searcy

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Searcy forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported 3/4 inch of ice across the county by 5:30 AM on the 27th. Arkansas Highway 27 was covered with trees from the ice. Limbs and power lines were downed all over the county.

Ice Storm, Stone

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Stone forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.860, -92.157 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1 inch of ice across the county by 5:30 AM on the 27th. At 8:00 AM, a storm spotter at Fox reported 2 inches of ice, with roads ice covered, tree limbs broken, and power out.

Ice Storm, Izard

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Izard forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.095, -91.913 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1/4 inch of ice across the county by 5:30 AM on the 27th.

Ice Storm, Independence

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Independence forecast zone
Property damage: $50 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.742, -91.570 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1 inch of ice across the county by 5:45 AM on the 27th. Ice caused tree limbs to sag and take out power lines in the Cave City and Pleasant Plains areas. A large oak tree split and fell on a roof in Independence County due to ice.

Ice Storm, Jackson

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Property damage: $35 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.599, -91.215 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The county's emergency manager reported 1/4 inch of freezing rain as of 10:00 AM on the 27th. Almost 100 percent electrical losses occurred in the county. Trees had to be removed from roads and homes throughout the county. Downed trees and power lines caused traffic delays on Arkansas Highway 18 near Grubbs.

Ice Storm, Pope

When: January 26, 2:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Pope forecast zone
Property damage: $25 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported 3/4 to 1 inch of ice in Russellville overnight on the 26th, but much of it had melted by 6:00 AM on the 27th. An accident occurred on Arkansas Highway 7 between Russellville and Dardanelle due to ice.

Ice Storm, Johnson

When: January 26, 3:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Johnson forecast zone
Property damage: $25 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported 1 inch of ice across the county by 6:00 AM on the 27th. Trees and power lines were down across the county. A few residences had significant damage.

Ice Storm, Van Buren

When: January 26, 3:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Van Buren forecast zone
Property damage: $25 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported 1 inch of ice in Clinton by 6:00 AM on the 27th, with up to 2 inches of ice at the higher elevations. Arkansas Highway 254 was closed due to fallen power poles. Trees and power lines were down across the county.

Ice Storm, Cleburne

When: January 26, 3:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Cleburne forecast zone
Property damage: $25 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.538, -92.027 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1 inch of ice in Heber Springs by 5:45 AM on the 27th, with up to 2 inches of ice at the higher elevations. Several minor accidents occurred on icy roads around Heber Springs. Approximately 30 power poles were downed in a row near Concord. Trees and power lines were downed throughout the county.

Ice Storm, Perry

When: January 26, 3:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Perry forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.947, -92.931 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The county's emergency manager reported 1/4 inch of ice had accumulated at Perryville by 6:00 AM.

Winter Weather, Saline

When: January 26, 3:00 PM CST to January 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Saline forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.647, -92.677 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wreck involving a tractor-trailer occurred on the Interstate 30 bridge over the Saline River in Benton.

Ice Storm, Logan

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Logan forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Public

One-half inch of ice was reported at Mount Magazine State Park by 6:00 AM on the 27th. An accident occurred on Arkansas Highway 22 between Midway and New Blaine. The vehicle hit an icy patch of road surface and skidded into a tree.

Ice Storm, Scott

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Scott forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were cleared from county roadways and schools. Five motor vehicle accidents occurred in the county.

Ice Storm, Polk

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Polk forecast zone
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The sheriff's office reported that 1/4 inch of ice had accumulated by 6:00 AM on the 27th.

Ice Storm, Yell

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Yell forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The county's emergency manager reported that 1/2 inch of ice had accumulated 2 miles south of Dardanelle as of 7:00 PM on the 26th, and the county judge reported 1/4 inch of ice in Danville at 9:00 PM. At least two State Park cabins were damaged due to fallen limbs and trees on Mt. Nebo. Trees fell on power lines across the county.

Ice Storm, Conway

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Conway forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.262, -92.701 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1/4 inch of ice in Morrilton by 6:00 AM on the 27th.

Ice Storm, Faulkner

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Faulkner forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.147, -92.332 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One-quarter inch of ice was reported at Woolly Hollow State Park at 7:00 AM. Two vehicles lost control on Arkansas Highway 365 near Mayflower and became partially submerged in Lake Conway.

Ice Storm, White

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: White forecast zone
Property damage: $15 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.256, -91.745 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 1/4 inch of ice in Searcy by 5:45 AM on the 27th.

Ice Storm, Woodruff

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Woodruff forecast zone
Property damage: $10 million
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.186, -91.243 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The sheriff's office reported 3/4 inch of ice across the county by 5:45 AM on the 27th.

Winter Weather, Montgomery

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS

Winter Weather, Pulaski

When: January 26, 4:00 PM CST to January 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Pulaski forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.770, -92.312 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A nine-car accident occurred on Interstate 630 near Battery Street in Little Rock due to ice. U.S. Highway 67 had a ramp closed at Interstate 440 due to ice. A car headed onto 15th Street from Interstate 630 overturned, causing a school bus to run off the road.

Winter Weather, Hot Spring

When: January 26, 6:00 PM CST to January 28, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Hot Spring forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.318, -92.946 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Traffic was delayed between Malvern and Jones Mill on U.S. Highway 270 due to ice. Also, traffic problems were reported on Interstate 30 through the county.

Winter Weather, Dallas

When: January 26, 8:00 PM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Dallas forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 33.970, -92.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Lonoke

When: January 26, 10:00 PM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Lonoke forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.754, -91.889 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several wrecks occurred on Interstate 40 due to ice.

Winter Weather, Jefferson

When: January 27, 12:00 AM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.269, -91.931 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Prairie

When: January 27, 3:00 AM CST to January 28, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Prairie forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.830, -91.553 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Monroe

When: January 27, 3:00 AM CST to January 28, 7:00 AM CST
Where: Monroe forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.678, -91.204 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Ouachita

When: January 28, 3:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Ouachita forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 33.593, -92.882 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Grant

When: January 28, 4:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Grant forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.290, -92.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several accidents occurred on U.S. Highway 167.

Winter Weather, Cleveland

When: January 28, 4:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Cleveland forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 33.898, -92.185 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Weather, Calhoun

When: January 28, 4:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where: Calhoun forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 33.558, -92.503 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
Ice Storm: Freezing rain accumulating a quarter inch or more of ice, or less where it caused significant damage.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Arkansas in 2009 Every state in 2009 This day in weather history Warnings in Arkansas, January 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 143465, 143470, 143431, 143432, 143433, 143459, 143434, 143435, 143436, 143437, 143438, 143440, 143441, 143442, 143444, 143443, 143446, 143447, 143454, 143460, 143448, 143450, 143451, 143452, 143453, 143455, 143456, 143457, 143458, 143461, 143466, 143471, 143476, 143469, 143463, 143464, 143473, 143467, 143472, 143474.