As Arkansas embraces the mild winters of today, it’s fascinating to reflect on a winter day in 1876 that transformed Warren and the surrounding regions into a snow-covered wonderland. On December 31, 1876, a historic snowstorm swept across the southern half of Arkansas, blanketing Warren in an astonishing 28 inches of snow—an event that still captures the imagination nearly 150 years later.
This monumental storm wasn’t confined to Warren alone. Records show that Arkansas City received 24 inches of snow, Pine Bluff 19 inches, and Texarkana 18 inches. Even as far as northwest Louisiana and northern Mississippi, snowfall depths exceeded two feet in places. These significant amounts left residents in awe, creating a winter scene seldom experienced in the typically mild southern climate.
What made this snowstorm even more extraordinary was its persistence. Snow lingered on the ground well into January 1877, thanks to another system that swept through a week later. The Arkansas Gazette at the time recounted vivid descriptions of the aftermath, with one article noting the depth of snow in Arkansas City as reaching “twenty-eight inches,” accompanied by expressions of awe and excitement from residents.
For the town of Warren, this snowstorm was undoubtedly a logistical challenge but also a memory etched into local lore. At a time when weather forecasting and modern infrastructure were non-existent, people had to adapt quickly to the sudden and extreme conditions.
While it’s difficult to imagine such a snowstorm today, Arkansans might not want to put away their heavy coats just yet. The National Weather Service is tracking what could be a huge polar plunge within the next week and a half. It’s too early to tell whether Warren will see any snowfall from it, but the possibility isn’t entirely out of the question. Could history repeat itself in a small way?
This day in Arkansas weather history serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and powerful nature can be. Although such extreme snowfall in Warren is highly unlikely today, the 1876 storm remains a unique and compelling chapter in the town’s history, offering a glimpse into a time when Arkansans faced one of the most severe winters on record.
