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Health Risks During Winter Storms in Fayetteville,
Health Risks During Winter Storms in Fayetteville,
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Guest
Guest
Jul 20, 2026
5:49 AM
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Winter storms in Fayetteville, Arkansas, can arrive with little warning, bringing freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerous ice accumulation. While Northwest Arkansas does not experience the prolonged winters of northern states, even a single severe winter storm can create significant health risks because roads become hazardous, power outages may occur, and access to healthcare can become limited. Cold exposure, physical exertion, and disrupted medical services all contribute to increased health emergencies during winter weather.
Understanding the medical dangers associated with winter storms allows residents to prepare before hazardous conditions develop. Whether you're an older adult, someone living with chronic illness, or simply planning to shovel your driveway after snowfall, recognizing these risks can help prevent life-threatening emergencies.
Why Winter Storms Can Be More Dangerous Than Many People Realize
Many people associate winter storms primarily with transportation problems. However, medical professionals know that severe winter weather often causes spikes in emergency room visits due to injuries, cardiovascular events, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and falls. Cold weather also complicates management of chronic diseases and can delay access to pharmacies and hospitals. Public health agencies consistently emphasize that extreme cold increases risks of heart attacks, cold-related illnesses, and carbon monoxide exposure.
Because Fayetteville occasionally experiences significant snow and ice events, local residents should prepare for health challenges even if storms are relatively infrequent compared to northern climates.
Heart Attack Risk From Snow Shoveling
One of the most overlooked dangers during winter storms is the increased risk of heart attacks while shoveling snow.
Snow removal combines several factors that place enormous stress on the cardiovascular system:
Cold air causes blood vessels to constrict.
Blood pressure rises.
The heart works harder.
Heavy lifting dramatically increases oxygen demand.
Wet snow can weigh far more than most people realize.
Even healthy individuals can experience dangerous cardiac strain. The risk becomes significantly higher for people with:
Coronary artery disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Previous heart attack
Smoking history
Obesity
Many heart attacks during winter occur because people underestimate how physically demanding snow removal actually is.
If you have a heart condition, check the Fayetteville winter storm warning today before deciding whether to shovel—during an active warning, heavy wet snow combined with cold air can substantially increase cardiovascular strain.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Chest pressure
Pain spreading into the arm, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath
Cold sweating
Nausea
Sudden fatigue
Dizziness
Do not attempt to "finish the driveway" if symptoms begin.
Safer Snow Removal Tips
If you must shovel:
Warm up indoors first.
Push snow instead of lifting it.
Take frequent breaks.
Stay hydrated.
Dress in breathable layers.
Stop immediately if you become unusually tired or short of breath.
Individuals over age 55 or anyone with cardiovascular disease should strongly consider hiring someone else for snow removal whenever possible.
Recognizing Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature falls below 95°F (35°C).
Although many people think it only affects those stranded outdoors, hypothermia can also develop indoors if heating systems fail during prolonged power outages.
Groups at highest risk include:
Older adults
Infants
Young children
Homeless individuals
People with alcohol intoxication
Individuals taking certain medications
Those living alone
Early Symptoms
The earliest signs often include:
Intense shivering
Cold skin
Numbness
Poor coordination
Fatigue
Slowed thinking
Progressive Symptoms
As body temperature continues dropping, symptoms become more serious:
Confusion
Slurred speech
Memory problems
Clumsiness
Extreme drowsiness
Weak pulse
Slow breathing
One particularly dangerous feature of hypothermia is that shivering may stop, causing victims to mistakenly believe they are improving.
Treatment
If hypothermia is suspected:
Move the person indoors immediately.
Remove wet clothing.
Replace with dry layers.
Wrap in warm blankets.
Warm the chest and neck first.
Offer warm drinks only if fully awake.
Avoid alcohol.
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Never immerse someone with severe hypothermia in hot water, as rapid warming may trigger dangerous heart rhythm disturbances
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