Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency for Arkansas ahead of severe winter weather expected to impact the state on or about Friday, Jan. 23.
The declaration cites the potential for significant snowfall, extreme cold, and related hazards that could threaten public safety, damage property and disrupt essential services statewide. As part of the order, Sanders authorized up to $250,000 from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to assist with response and recovery efforts, at the discretion of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management.
The emergency declaration also allows certain commercial motor carriers and emergency response vehicles to operate under temporary exemptions from federal motor carrier regulations while providing emergency relief. These exemptions are intended to help ensure the timely delivery of essential supplies such as electricity, fuel, food and medical equipment during the storm.
Emergency response vehicles, including utility trucks and commercial carriers delivering critical services, are authorized to bypass Arkansas Department of Transportation weigh stations through Feb. 23, 2026. The order does not waive size and weight restrictions and applies only to weigh stations and vehicles traveling in convoys.
State officials say the declaration is meant to help Arkansas prepare for and respond quickly to the expected winter weather and its impacts on residents across the state.
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