WARREN, Ark. (4-6-26) — While early April in South Arkansas typically brings thoughts of spring planting and warming temperatures, history tells a different story. On April 5, 1886, a rare late-season snowstorm swept across southern Arkansas, leaving measurable snowfall in areas not accustomed to such conditions so late in the year.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the storm produced snowfall ranging from one to three inches across much of the region. In Bradley County, snowfall totals were estimated to be around three inches in the Warren area, with nearby communities such as Rison also reporting similar amounts. Pine Bluff recorded approximately 2.5 inches, while other surrounding towns such as Gurdon and Okolona saw totals near two inches.
Although snowfall totals may seem modest by northern standards, the timing of the storm made it particularly significant. Coming in early April, the snow quickly melted, but it was followed by several days of unseasonably cold weather. That cold snap proved damaging to agriculture, which was already underway across South Arkansas.
For farmers in and around Bradley County, the impact would have been especially concerning. Early spring planting and budding crops are highly vulnerable to freezing temperatures, and historical accounts indicate that agricultural losses were notable in the days following the storm.
The 1886 event remains one of the most significant late-season snowfalls ever recorded in southern Arkansas. In fact, for much of the region, including areas near Warren, it still stands as one of the latest measurable snowfalls on record.
While snowfall in April is nearly unheard of today in Bradley County, the storm serves as a reminder of the region’s occasionally unpredictable weather patterns. Even in a climate known for mild winters and early springs, history shows that winter has, at times, lingered longer than expected.
