City of Fort Smith Prepares for Extreme Cold, Winter Weather
With extreme cold and winter precipitation in the forecast, the City of Fort Smith is actively preparing and encouraging residents to take steps now to protect their homes, loved ones, pets, and neighbors. Thank you to City staff and crews working long hours to serve our community during this winter weather event.
For ongoing updates from the City of Fort Smith, sign up at fortsmithar.gov/updates and follow the City’s Facebook Page.
What’s Happening Now (Friday, Jan. 23)
City crews across multiple departments have already adjusted schedules to provide overnight coverage and are actively monitoring changing weather conditions. Staff are implementing response plans for roadway pre-treatment, snow and ice operations, and making adjustments to services to help maintain essential operations and keep travel routes as safe as possible.
Reminders for Residents
Residents are encouraged to take precautions to stay safe and help one another during the cold weather:
-
Protect pipes: Insulate exposed lines, allow faucets to drip, and know how to shut off your water if needed. In the event of a water emergency, please call 479-784-2262.
-
Travel safely: Use caution on roadways, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle.
-
Protect pets: Bring animals indoors or provide warm, dry shelter and unfrozen water.
-
Check on neighbors: Especially seniors and those who may need extra help. Use space heaters safely and keep heat sources clear of flammable materials.
Solid Waste and Landfill Operations
Winter weather is expected to impact landfill access and waste collection through early next week:
-
Friday: Normal operations
-
Saturday, Jan. 24: Landfill closed – no collections
-
Monday, Jan. 26: Landfill closed – no collections
-
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Conditions permitting, landfill and collection crews will begin with a delayed start around noon. Any updates will be shared Monday afternoon.
Residential trash and recycling:
-
Monday, Jan. 26: Please place carts out Tuesday morning. Crews will service routes Tuesday or Wednesday.
-
All other days: Place carts out on your regular pickup day; crews will collect that day or the following day depending on road conditions.
Commercial routes: Monday commercial pickups will be collected Tuesday (Jan. 27) and Wednesday (Jan. 28).
Road Operations
Street and Traffic Control crews have mobilized winter response teams and equipment:
- Brine trucks are currently pre-treating roads
- 5 large snow plows and 4 small plows are ready once accumulations occur
- 2 City-owned road graders and 4 contracted graders are staged for deployment
- Extended and overnight shifts began Thursday to provide 24/7 response
Plowing priorities:
- Hills, bridges, and overpasses
- Major roadways
- Secondary streets
- Residential streets as conditions allow
Residents, as snow plows begin operations, please:
🚫 Avoid parking on roadways so plows can pass
⚠️ Use caution and allow space for crews working on the roads
Fort Smith Transit Updates
Follow the Fort Smith Transit Facebook Page or sign up for transit updates at fortsmithar.gov/updates.
Warming Centers/Shelter and Community Support
Local organizations and service providers are coordinating winter weather response plans to support those in need. Residents can follow the United Way of Fort Smith Area Facebook Page for warming centers/shelter updates as they become available.
Riverview Hope Campus
- 301 South E Street in Fort Smith
- Open daily (when temp falls below 40° F): 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Doors close at 11:00 PM
- Overnight stay requires arrival before 11:00 PM
- Call 479-668-4764 for questions or more information
Next Step Homeless Services
- 123 North 6th Street in Fort Smith
- Day room warming center: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday
- May be closed on Monday, Jan. 26 depending on weather (please call for updates)
- Call 479-782-5433 for questions or more information
Please follow the City of Fort Smith on social media and monitor local news for the latest updates on road conditions, service changes, and additional information as this winter event unfolds.
|
