With the arrival of an anticipated winter storm, central Arkansas first responders are getting ready to handle emergencies.

With temperatures plummeting and severe winter weather potentially in store later this week, several central Arkansas cities have opened emergency weather shelters to help people stay warm.

With the possibility of frozen precipitation in southwest Arkansas, area schools and government offices may announce closures as a measure of caution and to limit the amount of traffic on potentially icy roadways.

Schools around central Arkansas are announcing closures as winter weather is expected to enter the state Thursday.

With snow expected this week across Arkansas and Oklahoma, schools and government offices are beginning to take action to keep students, families, and staff safe. The 5NEWS Weather Team has increased the amount of snow we expect.