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West Memphis activates emergency plan, opens warming shelter as historic winter storm approaches
Summary
City activated a Level 1 emergency plan, announced a warming shelter at the Roberto Jackson Center (opening noon, capacity about 50), and urged residents to sign up for text alerts as the city prepares for a multi-day historic storm.
The city activated its emergency operations plan ahead of a forecasted winter storm described by local meteorologists as potentially historic. Dwayne Rose told the council the plan was moved to a Level 1 activation and that Governor Sanders had declared a state of emergency and allocated $250,000 to the state emergency management agency.
Rose urged residents to stay off roadways during the worst of the storm and to use the Roberto Jackson Center warming shelter, which he said would open at noon and remain staffed 24 hours a day through Wednesday tentatively; the shelter currently has capacity for about 50 people and is stocked with cots, blankets, food and beverages. “These temperatures put people into survival mode,” Rose said, stressing outreach to vulnerable neighbors and volunteer needs for overnight shifts.
City communications staff promoted an opt‑in text alert: text West Memphis to 91896. The director of communications reported roughly 2,100 residents had signed up in recent days for minute‑to‑minute updates. Staff encouraged residents to call or drop by the shelter if they need assistance; law enforcement will be on site around the clock.
