Inclement weather forces schools to pivot to virtual

Inclement weather throughout Northeast Arkansas moved in on Wednesday morning with temperatures remaining below freezing through Friday. Forecast shows the low, freezing temperatures will continue for over a week in the Blytheville and Buffalo Island areas.

Due to the low temperatures with ice covered streets and highways area schools and many businesses were forced to close Wednesday through Friday. Many city and county meetings were canceled. Schools pivoted to virtual the final three days of the week. Area schools also had to postpone basketball games and other events.

Some outages were reported on Wednesday but the local utility crews were prepared and ready to meet the demands.

Due to the icy conditions some accidents did occur throughout the area. Residents were encouraged to stay in if possible.

The weekend forecast is calling for low temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to 10 degrees on Sunday, Valentine's Day.

Snow is in the Monday forecast with temperatures ranging from a high of 14 degrees to a low of 2 degrees, with a possibility of additional snow later in the week.

The winter freeze is predicted to end with higher temperatures predicted starting on Friday, Feb. 19, with a high of 33 degrees and sunshine followed by weekend temperatures in the 40s.