Little Rock, AR – On this day in 1913, a historic snowstorm struck Arkansas, burying the Ozark Mountains under up to 16 inches of snow in some areas. The storm, which began on October 26 and continued into the 27th, remains one of the most significant early-season snow events in the state’s history.
The Incident: Snowstorm Strikes Early
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the 1913 snowstorm hit the state during a period when winter weather typically does not arrive in the Ozarks. The storm brought 6 to 10 inches of snow to the higher elevations, with Carroll County in particular experiencing up to 16 inches of snow on Bohannon Mountain. The snowstorm’s reach extended as far south as Lutherville, in Johnson County, where measurable snow was recorded.
“The snowstorm of 1913 was particularly impactful due to its early timing,” noted a spokesperson from the National Weather Service.
This early snowfall event not only set records for early-season accumulation but also caused widespread disruptions across the region.
Investigation and Evidence: Damage and Impact
The storm brought considerable damage to infrastructure, particularly in northern Arkansas, where telephone and telegraph lines were downed due to the heavy snow accumulation. Additionally, the heavy snow burden caused significant agricultural losses, particularly to crops that were unprepared for such early winter conditions.
Towns like Marshall, Harrison, and Eureka Springs reported 8 to 12 inches of snow, with Carroll County receiving the most significant snowfall. The event caught many residents off guard, as it occurred weeks before the typical winter weather season in the Ozarks.
Weather History: The Unusual Early Snowstorm
Meteorologists have continued to reference the 1913 snowstorm as one of the most unusual early-season weather events in the state’s history. According to the National Weather Service, the storm’s intensity and timing set it apart from other historical storms in the region.
“It stands out not just for its snowfall but also for the sheer unexpectedness of it happening so early,” said the spokesperson from the National Weather Service.
This storm is often included in the “This Day in Arkansas Weather History” series, which the Weather Service uses to highlight rare and impactful weather events that have shaped the state’s climate history.
Ongoing Relevance: Remembering Arkansas’ Weather Milestones
As part of its educational initiatives, the National Weather Service continues to use the 1913 Ozarks snowstorm as an example of how severe weather can occur at unpredictable times in Arkansas. The storm serves as a reminder of the power of nature, as well as the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather events.
Conclusion: A Historic Weather Event in Arkansas’ Past
The 1913 snowstorm remains a significant chapter in Arkansas weather history, not just for its intensity but also for its timing. The storm’s early arrival caught many by surprise, causing damage and leaving a lasting impression on the state’s residents.
What are your thoughts on this historic weather event? Share your opinions and memories in the comments below.
