Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued a State of Emergency for Arkansas in response to severe winter weather forecasted to strike the state starting January 5, 2025. The declaration outlines a series of measures to protect citizens, restore essential services, and facilitate the transportation of critical supplies.
Governor Sanders emphasized the potential risks of the severe winter weather expected to strike Arkansas, causing dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state. The declaration highlights the challenges posed by such adverse conditions, including disruptions to utility services, road safety concerns, and delays in the delivery of essential goods.
Emergency Provisions for Commercial and Emergency Vehicles
The declaration includes provisions to address anticipated utility outages and delays in the supply chain. Commercial vehicles transporting critical items, such as heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, and other utility-related hardware, will be allowed exemptions from certain federal transportation regulations. These exemptions, outlined in 49 CFR §390.23, will enable motor carriers and drivers to operate beyond normal hours of service limits for up to 14 days, provided they are directly involved in emergency relief efforts.
Additionally, vehicles delivering essential goods, including groceries, pharmacy items, medical equipment, fuel, and livestock, will receive prioritized access during the emergency period. Governor Sanders emphasized that this measure aims to alleviate potential backlogs and ensure that Arkansas residents have access to necessary supplies during the storm.
Weigh Station Exemptions for Emergency Vehicles
Emergency response vehicles, including utility trucks, bucket trucks, and electric supply vehicles, will be authorized to bypass Arkansas Department of Transportation weigh stations through January 13, 2025. This measure is intended to expedite restoration efforts by allowing these vehicles to travel more freely across the state. However, the exemption does not extend to vehicles requiring special permits or those exceeding size and weight restrictions.
Duration of the State of Emergency
The emergency declaration will remain in effect until January 13, 2025, unless terminated or amended earlier. Governor Sanders stressed that these proactive measures are critical to minimizing the potential impact of the storm, ensuring the safety of Arkansas residents, and supporting a swift recovery.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and to follow guidance from state and local authorities during this period. For updates and more information, visit the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management’s website.
