Mark Plate, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tulsa, Okla., Said while the heavier rain moved out of Benton and Washington counties Wednesday afternoon, residents could face drizzling rain and below-freezing temperatures early this morning.
A freeze warning was issued from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. today with low temperatures in the mid-20s.
The Weather Service predicts skies will be clear this evening and temperatures will be in the high 30s while children are trick-or-treating. The wind is expected to be about 15 mph out of the Northwest.
Drivers should "show extreme caution" and watch for trick-or-treaters crossing streets on Halloween, Luther said. Children wearing dark-colored costumes can be difficult to see at night, especially if it's raining or sleeting.
Parents might consider pinning glow sticks to children's costumes or putting reflective tape or reflective material on their Halloween baskets and bags to make them more visible, Luther said.
"When we get a freeze warning, it's safe to assume that roads and bridges will become icy," said John Luther, emergency manager for Washington County.
Drivers should err on the side of caution any time roads are expected to freeze. They should be prepared to slow down and allow more time than usual to travel, he said.
Road crews in both counties were making preparations Wednesday afternoon.
Benton County planned Wednesday afternoon to have crews drive around the county overnight looking for slick spots where they would put sand or salt, said Steve Trogdon, road superintendent.
The ground temperature was too warm for the county to pretreat the roads, Trogdon said. Washington County does not put salt on roads, but road crews are prepared to respond to winter weather, said Carl Gales, chief of staff for the county judge.
The Weather Service predicts temperatures will be in the mid-50s during the day Friday and around 30 degrees Friday night, Plate said.
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