Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,549
Confirmed Cases: 1,737
Probable Cases: 812
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,500
Confirmed Cases: 982
Probable Cases: 518
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,112
Confirmed Cases: 844
Probable Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,846
Confirmed Cases: 1,582
Probable Cases: 264
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 943
Confirmed Cases: 724
Probable Cases: 219
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 13

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 253 new cases; 7,323 active cases; 625 hospitalized, which is up 23 from Wednesday; 107 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,323; a total of 314,445 cases; 239,586 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,155; antigen tests, 820.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 42; Benton, 37; Sebastian, 20; Pulaski, 16; and Garland and Independence with 10 each.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Our vaccine numbers have slowed over the past few days, and we anticipate these numbers to increase once the roads clear up throughout the state. We hope that vaccine uptake will continue among those who are eligible. I ask that, once it's your turn, you roll up your sleeve and help protect your community."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

Snow Pics in Southwest Arkansas Following the Last Two Winter Storms

Photos by Jon Bunyard - Ed 88

With An Additional 2 1/4 inches, Total Snow/Sleet Accumulation Was 9 3/4 Inches in De Queen

The Winter Storm Warning for Southwest Arkansas has expired and the National Weather Service says we can expect a slow warming trend for the next several days with high temperatures back up into the lower 60’s for the middle part of next week.

COVID-19 Update for Thursday from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 667 new cases; 8,239 active cases; 602 hospitalized, which is down 36 from Tuesday; 108 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 26, for a total of 5,313; a total of 314,192 cases; 238,810 recoveries; PCR tests, 1,152; antigen tests, 929.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Garland, 100; Benton, 90; Washington, 86; Sebastian, 59; and Pulaski, 47.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We once again saw a decrease in testing yesterday, which was impacted by the weather. We received an additional 18,525 vaccine doses yesterday, and we will continue to administer these doses as quickly as possible. Please continue to take necessary precautions against COVID-19 and limit road travel as much as possible."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 45

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 16

Arkansas Utilities Call For People To Conserve Energy Or Face Planned Outages

By ALEXANDRIA BROWN & MICHAEL HIBBLEN

Arkansas utility companies are asking people to conserve electricity usage as the state braces for another round of winter weather. Companies say heavy snowfall and unusually cold temperatures have prompted many consumers to use a substantial amount of natural gas and electricity to stay warm in their homes.

Melody Daniel, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, says lowering thermostats to within the 60 to 65 degree temperature range will help conserve power.

"Heating sources are the biggest draw during these extended cold weather events," Daniel said. "So, if you’re able to reduce that by about five degrees or so, and then bundle up, wear a few extra layers and maybe have a blanket with you, that is just one simple step that most Arkansans can take that will drastically reduce the load on the power grid and help our electricity stay on."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-utilities-call-people-conserve-energy-or-face-planned-outages

Entergy Arkansas worker Jason Penny addresses a problem on a power line Sunday in west Little Rock.

CREDIT ENTERGY ARKANSAS

Additional Snow From Second Winter Storm Continues to Top Roadways

Snow-covered Road near De Queen Lake Wednesday morning, 02/17/21 - Photo by Jon Bunyard

De Queen Lake Road at De Queen Dam Wednesday Morning, 02/17/21 - Photo by Jon Bunyard

Updated COVID Numbers for SW Arkansas on Wednesday

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 34

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 12

Wintry Precipitation Covering All Roadways in Arkansas; Use Extreme Caution

https://idrivearkansas.com/

Winter Storm Warning Continues Through Thursday Morning; Slow Warming Trend to Follow

...Conditions to Deteriorate as Winter Storm Approaches...

.A significant winter storm producing a mix of snow, sleet, and
freezing rain to threaten the region today and not totally ending
until during the day Thursday. Wintry precipitation is expected
to be primarily snow along and north of Interstate 30, a mix of
snow, sleet and freezing rain around the Interstate 20 corridor,
and primarily freezing rain over Deep East Texas and Central
Louisiana. Power outages will be a risk in all areas, but
especially where freezing rain will be predominant. Of course
travel remains difficult in most of the region and any recent
improvement will be lost once this new event sets in. Temperatures
will not be nearly as cold as the last 24 hours, but will remain
well below normal.

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
  accumulations of up to 6 inches across southwest Arkansas and
  ice accumulations of around one half of an inch south of I-20.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
  southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
  east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...Until noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
  ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Today

Snow. High near 28. Wind chill values as low as 10. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow, mixing with sleet after 9pm, then gradually ending. Cloudy, with a low around 22. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 37. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 61.

Nurses Come Out of Retirement To Assist With COVID-19 Vaccinations

By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

As the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine continues across Arkansas, some nurses are coming out of retirement to help with the distribution. Nurses says it's been challenging because they don't have enough vaccines for all of the volunteers.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/nurses-come-out-retirement-assist-covid-19-vaccinations

STOCK IMAGE

Temperatures Plummeted Overnight to Negative Digits and Record Lows Across Arkansas

UA Cossatot - All Campuses Will Be Closed Through the Rest of the Week; Another Winter Storm on the Way

“Due to the continuing dangerous road conditions in the area and the possibility of another extended winter storm all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed for the rest of this week (Wednesday, February 16th, Thursday, February 17th, and Friday, February 18th). UA Cossatot fully expects to be open under normal hours on Monday, February 22nd.”

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor
UA Cossatot

Winter Storm Warning On The Way For Tonight Through Thursday Noon

...Next winter storm will push into our area tonight and
continue through Thursday morning...

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING
TO NOON CST THURSDAY...
...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Snow and
  sleet accumulations will range from less than 2 inches south of
  the I-20 corridor to 5 to 8 inches north of the I-30 corridor.
  Ice accumulations of a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch
  with localized higher amounts will be possible from Deep East
  Texas across northwestern Louisiana, central Louisiana, and into
  south- central Arkansas.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
  southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
  east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Treacherous road conditions will continue across the
  region. Locations with over a quarter inch of ice will see
  downed limbs and powerlines which will lead to the possibility
  of widespread power outages. Cold temperatures will continue to
  make extended time outdoors dangerous with the risk of
  hypothermia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Tonight

Snow, mainly after 9pm. Low around 18. Wind chill values as low as 10. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday

Snow before noon, then snow, freezing rain, and sleet. High near 28. Wind chill values as low as 9. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of snow showers and freezing rain before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 38.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Snow, Bitter Cold Impact Livestock In Arkansas

By GEORGE JARED/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Single-digit wind chills, freezing water in pipes and troughs, and high snow loads on roofs are causing concerns for poultry and cattle operations, specialists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture said Monday.

The record-setting storm front that stretches from Texas to Maine has caused millions to lose power as snowfall totals and bitter cold ravage almost half the country, according to the National Weather Service.

Low temperatures reported Monday morning to the National Weather Service included minus five at Compton, zero at Lead Hill and two degrees at Gilbert. At noon Monday, the North Little Rock airport had 10.9 inches of snow, while Greers Ferry, Perryville and Vilonia all reported 11 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/snow-bitter-cold-impact-livestock-arkansas

Cattle in the snow at a farm in Carroll County, Arkansas.

CREDIT ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU

Hard Freeze for Tonight and More Snow Expected in Forecast from the National Weather Service

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures to fall into the single digits
  tonight.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, south
  central and southwest Arkansas, and portions of east Texas.

* WHEN...Through 6 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Hard freeze conditions will kill crops, other
  sensitive vegetation and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 1. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday

Increasing clouds, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as 1. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A chance of snow showers before midnight, then snow and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Wind chill values as low as 11. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday

Snow showers before noon, then snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 29. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday Night

Snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet likely before midnight, then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 38.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.

UA Cossatot Campuses Will Be Closed Again Tuesday Because of Winter Weather and Hazardous Road Conditions

“Due to the extremely dangerous road conditions all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed on Tuesday, February 16th. We will continue to watch the next winter storm expected to arrive late Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as this may warrant more closures later in the week.”

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor
UA Cossatot

Photo of De Queen Lake Road Above Spillway Monday Morning - by Jon Bunyard

7 1/2 Inches of Snow Fell Overnight Sunday Night/Monday Morning in the De Queen Area of Southwest Arkansas

Photo by Jon Bunyard Monday Morning near De Queen Lake

All UA Cossatot Campuses Closed Monday Due to Forecasted Inclement Winter Weather in Southwest Arkansas

Snow Picture of the Leeper Building at UA Cossatot De Queen Sunday Morning 02/14/21

"Due to the expected storm conditions expected this weekend and to start the work week, all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed Monday, February 15th." Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor, UA Cossatot

The Latest Briefing on Winter Weather and Warnings for Arkansas from the National Weather Service

Click on photo above for the Winter Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service.

Winter Storm Warning, Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory Issued from the National Weather Service

Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette- Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-De Soto- Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-Natchitoches-Winn- Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-McCurtain-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-Camp- Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-Marion-Smith-Gregg-Harrison-Cherokee-Rusk- Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-San Augustine- Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville, Bradley, Magnolia, El Dorado, Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Jonesboro, Monroe, Many, Zwolle, Pleasant Hill, Natchitoches, Winnfield, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Clarks, Grayson, Columbia, Jena, Midway, Olla, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, Queen City, Mineola, Winnsboro, Quitman, Hawkins, Gilmer, Big Sandy, Jefferson, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Carthage, Nacogdoches, Center, Lufkin, San Augustine, Hemphill, and Pineland 223 AM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST MONDAY... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches possible across deep east Texas into northwest Louisiana and south- central Arkansas with lesser amounts elsewhere. Sleet accumulations of around 1 inch and ice accumulations of around one quarter of an inch possible across north-central and northeast Louisiana. For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 5 below zero across southeast Oklahoma and in the single digits elsewhere.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, through 6 PM CST Monday. For the Wind Chill Advisory, through 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible due to snow, sleet, and ice accumulations. The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures on Sunday night to range anywhere from single digits across Southeast Oklahoma to near 20 degrees across East Texas and North-Central Louisiana. On Monday night, temperatures are forecast to fall into the single digits areawide.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Hard freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Detailed Forecast for SW Arkansas from the National Weather Service:

Sunday

Snow likely before noon, then snow and sleet likely between noon and 3pm, then snow likely after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as 11. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night

Snow. Low around 11. Wind chill values as low as 4. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday President’s Day

A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as zero. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A slight chance of snow showers before midnight, then a chance of snow and freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday

Snow and sleet before noon, then snow and freezing rain. High near 28. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night

Snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 39.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.