BROOKLAND, AR — (BrooklandNews.com) — Jan. 26, 2026 — State and local officials continue response and recovery efforts following a winter storm that brought heavy snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures to Arkansas late last week.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management said Monday that the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated as agencies coordinate damage assessments and address ongoing public safety concerns.
ADEM confirmed two storm-related deaths. A 40-year-old man was killed in an ATV accident near Hope, and a 17-year-old male died in a separate ATV crash in Saline County. Eight additional injuries have been reported statewide.
Much of northeast Arkansas, including Brookland and Craighead County, received significant snowfall from the storm. Brookland received upwards of 9 inches of snow in some places, with surrounding areas reporting between 6 and 8 inches.
Ahead of the storm, 27 counties declared local emergencies in anticipation of snow, ice and extreme cold. Early damage reports indicate collapsed or damaged structures, including marinas, agricultural facilities and commercial and government buildings, primarily due to heavy ice accumulation. Damage assessments are ongoing to determine potential disaster assistance.
Locally, officials continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel as icy conditions persist on roadways, particularly bridges, overpasses and shaded areas.
Brookland Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday because of hazardous road conditions and extreme cold, district officials announced. Several other school districts and colleges across Arkansas have also extended closures.
Forecasts call for extreme cold to continue through the next several days, keeping much of the snow and ice in place. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the 20s through midweek, limiting melting. A gradual warmup into the mid 30s later in the week is expected to allow snow and ice to begin melting, though refreezing is likely overnight.
Residents are advised to limit travel, dress in layers, protect exposed skin and take steps to prevent frozen pipes and heating-related hazards.