Christmas Winter Storm (2012)

Who does not love a white Christmas? Well, some of you may not, but most people do! It is every Arkansas child's dream to wake up to a blanket of snow on the ground as they open their presents. This wish was granted in the year 2012, as Arkansas saw a vast amount of snowfall across certain areas of the state. Snowfall totals ranged far and wide, with heavier amounts ranging through the central part of the state into the northeast sections. In fact, certain areas saw over a foot of snow!

Snow cover in Hot Springs (December 26th, 2012)

So the golden question becomes, why 2012, and what caused this mess? See graphic posted below:

A strong storm system pushed east through the state originally. This initially brought rain, and some freezing rain, at first. As the system tracked east cold air wrapped around the backside of the low. This allowed temperatures to dip below freezing, thus where moisture was still present; snow began falling!

Snow totals were heaviest across portions of central, and northeast Arkansas. Not only did we experience a rare snow storm, but we also experienced another rare weather phenomenon; thunder-snow. This led to very heavy snowfall rates, as seen in the 24 hour snowfall totals posted above.

Snow covered roadways early on December 26th, 2012.

As some of you may remember, roadway conditions deteriorated quickly as snowfall rates increased. Numerous accidents were reported by Arkansas State Police following the winter storm.

The snow storm was not all fun and games for some of us, however. Prior to the large amount of snowfall, freezing rain occurred across portions of central Arkansas. Freezing rain fell for several hours, sticking to tree limbs and power lines. With heavy winds present, along with heavy snow, and already existing icy conditions, power outages were widespread. Nearly 200,000 Arkansas residents were without power. Blizzard conditions existed across northeast Arkansas as winds gusted to nearly 40 mph during heavy snowfall rates.

Once again, a huge thank you to the National Weather Service for providing this viable information. We love creating these historic weather blogs, and without their information it would not be possible.

-AW Team

Graphic and information credits: https://www.weather.gov/