HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Board of Directors meeting, originally planned for 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, February 4) in the Board Chambers at City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard, has been cancelled for public safety reasons due to inclement weather conditions. The Hot Springs Police Department advises all city residents to stay off the roads this evening, as streets may refreeze overnight, and power outages continue to occur, affecting traffic lights as well. Residents are advised to listen to local and state radio and television stations for weather and road condition updates. A rescheduled date and time for the board meeting has not yet been confirmed.
A Red Cross shelter will open this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, located at 1100 Central Avenue. Residents of Hot Springs and Garland County who have lost electric power are welcome to come spend the night in the warmth and safety of the church. Members of Hot Springs Fire Department and Hot Springs Police Department will assist in the shelter’s operation. Residents wishing to use the shelter should bring their own pillows, sheets and blankets to insure their personal comfort. Cots will be provided. For more information, call 501-321-6977.
Regarding current conditions within city limits, the Public Works Street Division reports that about six trees have fallen, one totalling a car on Quapaw Avenue. Two trees tangled in power lines have been reported to Entergy to handle. Street personnel will work a longer shift until 7 p.m. this evening to address any additional problems that may arise. Airport runways are clear. Hot Springs Animal Services, which lost power about 1 p.m. this afternoon, has activated its generators to provide heat to the shelter’s kennel area only, and continues to serve the visiting public. All other city departments continue to be open to the public this afternoon.