Welcome to Arkansas. Home of unpredictable weather. If you're a lifelong resident or you just recently moved to NWA, you've probably noticed the weather is all over the place. “Don't like the weather in Arkansas? Wait five minutes.” It could be 90 degrees and sunny in the morning, but a cold front blows in, and you've got sleet and snow by dinner time.
Ok. Maybe not that extreme, but you get the point. Arkansas weather can be unpredictable and, at times, dangerous, especially if you aren't prepared for it. Here at McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville, we want to ensure you'll weather the storm, no matter how bad it gets.
Part of surviving Arkansas weather in the spring is being prepared. Not only can you dress according to the weather reports, but you can make sure your vehicle is equipped for the current season. Make sure your Ford Explorer or F-150's windshield wipers are replaced and ready to withstand heavy rains. Pack an umbrella, rain jacket or even a pair of boots in case of flash flooding.
Visit our parts department or make a service appointment to ensure your vehicle is spring ready.
Bella Vista and the surrounding areas are prone to flash flooding, so you never know when you'll need to make a quick exit. As the National Weather Service says, “Turn around, don't drown.” A flash flood usually occurs within six hours due to the fact that the rain falls faster than it can be absorbed by the ground or carried away. Since it has nowhere to go, it fills up small streams and creeks that then spill over onto the roadways.
Weather.gov's 3 Simple Steps for Flash Flood Safety:
- GET TO HIGHER GROUND. Get out of the areas subject to flooding.
- DO NOT DRIVE INTO WATER. Do NOT drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6 feet of water to knock you off your feet.
- STAY INFORMED. Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates.
Besides flash flooding, tornado season is another unpredictable force to reckon with, especially if you're caught in a storm while driving. McLarty Daniel Ford offers a wide range of cars, SUVs and pickup trucks like the Mustang, Edge and SuperDuty F-250, all designed to keep you safe on the road during normal weather conditions. However, spring weather in NWA is not normal.
The Basics of Ford's Driver Assist Technologies
The recent tornadoes in Little Rock, Wynne and even last year in Springdale have people thinking twice about severe weather and what to do if it happens in their neck of the woods. Even more, what to do if they're caught driving in a severe thunderstorm or a tornado. If at all possible, don't get out to drive if there is a severe weather threat or a tornado watch or warning. The best thing to do is to take shelter and be cautious.
However, if you're already out and get caught in the storm, there are some precautions you can take to stay as safe as possible. Contrary to popular belief, it is not recommended to seek shelter under bridges or overpasses as this can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris. For tornadoes off in the distance, you can drive in the opposite direction or away from the storm as much as possible, if safe to do so and then seek shelter in a sturdy building, such as a bank or fast food restaurant.
If you're already too far into the storm, do not try to outrun the tornado. Your best bet is to park the car as quickly and as safely as possible, preferably out of traffic lanes. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, and cover your head with your hands or a blanket, coat or anything else that might work as protection against debris. If there is a lower area you can get to safely, leave your car and lie in that area while covering your head with your hands.
McLarty Daniel Ford is committed to helping its community stay safe during times of disaster. Severe wind, strong hail and deadly tornadoes strike fast and leave a path of destruction in their wake. That's when people need support and help with basic needs before any long-term recovery can begin. If you're looking to help the recent Arkansas tornado victims, you can visit the American Red Cross or check out Governor Sanders' donate and volunteer page.
In the meantime, let us know if we can help you find the right vehicle that will get you through Arkansas' toughest weather. We look forward to serving you at McLarty Daniel Ford on South Walton Boulevard in Bentonville.
McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln is Arkansas' 2022 Ford Lincoln Dealer of the Year
