Natural State News

Gov. Asa Hutchinson addressed the conditions of the state in a weekly address, which was one of over a dozen to be severely impacted by this year’s snowstorms, suffering unusual cold temperatures and staggering energy demands all across. 

Power outages were administered by utility sources to soothe the overwhelming strain on the energy system, caused by freezing temperatures, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. Natural gas providers experienced low pressure in their supply lines, which led to over 2,300 natural gas service disruptions. The shortage of heat during the storm, which brought record-breaking snowfall and temperatures, was considered a “natural crisis” that highlighted the importance of assistance provided by other states.

Entergy, SWEPCO, and other power companies made an effort to lessen the weight of energy demand by encouraging local customers to only use lights when necessary and to set their thermostat anywhere between 65 degrees and 68 degrees. Home activities requiring large amounts of water should be limited or avoided until the weather subsides.

“What we do in Arkansas helps other states, and what folks do in North Dakota helps Arkansas,” a spokesman for Southwestern Electric Power Company, Peter Main, said. "It's a matter of small adjustments by each individual.” 

February served as the third snowiest month ever recorded since the 1800s. Gurdon received 21 inches of snow, while Fayetteville recorded low temperatures of twenty degrees below zero. Though the temperatures aren’t the lowest ever reported, the total snowfall in Little Rock equated to that of records from 1918 but is larger than snowfall figures noted since then. Fort Smith’s temperature reached eight-degrees below zero, marking the seventh coldest temperature to ever be recorded.

Heavy snowfall has kept road workers busy, with Maumelle’s work crew taking on double shifts and housing in the city’s bunkhouse. Power company workers and police officers have also worked on securing the area, repairing lines, and rescuing drivers in need. While addressing the challenges brought upon by the winter storm, Hutchinson also highlighted the snow activities residents used as a distraction, and to lighten the mood.

“The paved streets have been empty; the traffic is on hills all over the state, and we see our kids, the young ones and the adult ones as well, slide down hills on red Flexible Flyers and brown cardboard boxes,” Hutchinson said. “This rare winter storm soon will be history, and I know it has caused hardship for many, but I hope that it has produced some warm memories as well.”