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EMERGENCY 911 Non-Emergency 870.698.2450

BPD PSA: Severe Winter Weather Alert Jan 24th, 2026

Date Posted: 01/21/2026
Category: General

Please be aware that weather reports indicate a severe winter storm will impact our area Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 24-25th), and accumulated precipitation is likely to persist due to extremely cold temperatures through the following Tuesday (27th).  The National Weather Service has released an alert regarding conditions which you can read here.

Please do your best to avoid traveling until City of Batesville and ARDOT crews are able to clear the roads and highways.  If you experience an emergency, please dial 911 as soon as possible.  Emergency services may take longer to respond during significant storm events due to road conditions, downed trees/powerlines or high call volumes.  If you need assistance with an issue that is not life threatening, please call Independence Co. Dispatch at 1-870-698-2450.

In the event of severe weather, public offices, including the police department, will likely remain closed.  Officers will still be on duty.

Winter Survival Tips

  • Stay well-fed and hydrated! Both are critical to lower the risk of hypothermia.
  • If you must go outside, dress warmly in layers with a good wind and waterproof outer layer, boots, hat and gloves.  Both sweat and water from melting ice and snow can cause hypothermia significantly faster, so if you get wet seek shelter and warmth as soon as possible.
  • Be sure your have adequate food and water, charge your cell phone, fill up your gas tank to at least half, and ensure you have blankets, a flashlight and other important items before the storm begins.
  • If you must travel, make sure to inform someone of your departure time, expected arrival time and intended route and destination beforehand.  Pack useful survival items like food, water, blankets and a flashlight in your vehicle.  If stranded, remain in your vehicle and call 911.
  • If you have a heat emergency or loss of power, attempt to report the outage directly to Entergy.  You can also contact Independence Co. Dispatch to check on the availability of warming centers.