Arkansas declares emergency ahead of winter storm, unlocking funds and waiving weigh stations for essential deliveries.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency on January 22, 2026, ahead of a severe winter storm expected to bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures starting January 23. The move unlocks $250,000 from the state’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund for emergency operations and allows commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies to bypass weigh stations through February 23, aiding fuel, food, and medical deliveries. The exemption does not alter vehicle size or weight limits. The state is preparing for potential power outages, road hazards, and infrastructure damage as the storm impacts the region through the weekend.