Winter storm warnings set for parts of Arkansas

This graphic from the National Weather Service shows the probability of ice accumulations across the state Thursday into Friday.

This graphic from the National Weather Service shows the probability of ice accumulations across the state Thursday into Friday.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Parts of northern Arkansas are set to go under a winter storm warning as an approaching system brings the possibility of accumulating freezing rain, sleet and snow.

The National Weather Service issued the winter weather warning Wednesday morning for Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Fulton, Izard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren and Washington counties. The warnings go into effect Thursday morning and continue through Friday.

Much of the rest of the state, including Little Rock and as far south as Clark County, are set to go under a winter storm watch later Thursday into Friday.

The weather service says the wintry mix of weather will begin Thursday morning for the counties under the warning and by Thursday evening for those in the watch area.

Ice accumulations in the warning area will total up to a half inch, the weather service said, adding the watch areas could see a quarter-inch. Additional snow and sleet are also expected.

On Wednesday, much of the state was also again under a dense fog advisory with visibilities reduced to less than a half-mile. Numerous flights at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport were delayed or diverted because of the fog Tuesday and again Wednesday morning, but only a few delays were reported as midday approached.