Fort Smith snowpack topped with 2 inches of snow; won't melt until Thursday

The 2 inches of snow Fort Smith received overnight Tuesday is likely the last the city will see of snow other than a few flurries Wednesday.

The snow started around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and ended before 3 a.m. Wednesday, adding to the 4.5 inches received earlier in the week. It was lower than the 4-6 inches predicted to fall in the city because of heavier bands of snow moving north and south of the area.

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With a forecast high of 26 degrees and cloud cover Wednesday, the snow isn't expected to begin melting until Thursday. Fort Smith Streets Department Director Matt Meeker said main roads in Fort Smith had been plowed but they still had some snow on them. He also said neighborhood roads are covered in snow.

"Remain vigilant," National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Sellers said. "The roads are still snow-covered, snow-packed, so they're going to be slick."

Closures

The following public agencies have closed or altered their services on Wednesday due to the ongoing inclement weather:

• Fort Smith Public Schools will hold virtual learning Wednesday and will determine whether it will extend it further into the week based on weather conditions later in the day.
• University of Arkansas - Fort Smith will hold virtual learning Wednesday. The university library is also closed.
• City of Fort Smith offices and in-person services are closed to the public.
• Sebastian County offices are closed.
• State offices are closed.
• Fort Smith Public Library is closed.

Arkansas weather radar

This is a developing story.