An Arkansas woman is facing the unimaginable, losing both her father and brother in the wildfires that continue to rage in California.

According to 2023 data from the Arkansas Forestry Division, 55% of the state is covered in forests. ARKANSAS, USA — As fires continue to race through Southern California, local fire officials throughout Arkansas are weighing in on local preparedness should a wildfire occur in the area.

Snow will turn into sleet and freezing rain along parts of the Southeast, as well as southern Arkansas, the weather service reported. Forecasters warn that icy conditions, between a tenth and a quarter inch of ice, will make travel dangerous for many. Power outages and downed branches are also a concern.

An Arkansas woman is heartbroken after learning about the tragic fate of two of her family members after they were caught in California wildfires.

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People from around the country, including Northwest Arkansas, are descending upon Southern California to do what they can to help those impacted by devastating wildfires.

A major winter storm is causing disruptions in the southern US, with ice, snow, and freezing winds leading to downed trees. Temperatures in Dallas dropped to 16°F, and the storm will bring snow and ice to Texas,

The official return of the La Niña weather pattern was declared on Thursday. Even though the disrupting weather pattern is late and weaker than normal, it is still having an impact on winter weather which is seen in the rain in the Northwest and the droughts across the country.

Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who is currently the acting mayor, joins Ana Cabrera to share more on the top priorities for the recovery efforts in his area amid the devastating wind-fueled wildfires in Southern California. 5NEWS has gathered some important tips for preparing to weather a snowstorm in Arkansas.

"I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense," President Biden said, calling the damage "catastrophic."

Forecasters warned Southern California could see a “life-threatening, destructive” windstorm this week, as powerful gusts and dropped humidity levels raise the risk for wildfires in parched areas still recovering from a recent destructive blaze.

California is typically ranked as the second most expensive state to live in, after Hawaii, with costs averaging around 30% higher than the rest of the U.S., per U.S. News & World Report. The state has the highest individual tax rate and the highest gas tax, 68 cents a gallon in 2024.