Snow, sleet, ice and freezing rain pounded parts of Arkansas all weekend joined by subarctic temperatures that slowed commerce to a crawl and presented dangerous conditions across the state.

In Hazen and Prairie County, temperatures rose to the mid-20’s and sunk into single digits with wind chills anywhere from -5 to -15 degrees. The region saw frozen precipitation to varying degrees.

Many businesses closed as did municipal, county and state offices. Gov. Sarah Sanders closed state agencies on Monday (Jan. 26) due to hazardous roads and dangerous temperatures.

Hazen Mayor David Hardke said the storm, known as Winter Storm Fern, has slowed functions and required much vigilance.

“This winter storm put the brakes on activity in Hazen for a few days. All departments were busy making preparations for it,” said Hardke. “Chief [Bradley] Taylor had our officers ready to be out as long as needed and carry drinking water and snacks for themselves and stranded motorists. I saw Fire Chief Seth Skarda at the fire station Friday checking on equipment,” he added.

Hazen, which manages its own water and gas departments, said the utility staff is eyeing the proper functioning of its infrastructure and equipment and prepared to help citizens in an emergency.

“Public Works Director Chad Swaim’s departments double-checked equipment, plumbing and natural gas inventories. Chad obtained additional inventory and equipment to handle possibly more than usual water system repairs,” he said.

“Water plant systems and wastewater plant systems were prepared for the weather and are monitored. Our utility staff will be searching for citizens’ unnoticed plumbing issues this week as well as issues with water mains,” he said.

Also, the district court hearings scheduled for Monday were postponed and are being rescheduled, said Hardke.

Arkansas National Guard crews have assisted dozens of people who were stuck in the snow during the ongoing winter weather. The Arkansas State Police reported more than 30 single‑vehicle accidents over the weekend, though no fatal crashes were reported.

The weather hit many parts of the country through the South, Midwest and Northeast U.S. and included heavy snow and destructive ice over 34 states Friday through Monday.