River flooding improves in spots, but continues to be a problem into the weekend downstream
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After several days of torrential rainfall and severe storms across the Natural State, several rivers across Arkansas are swollen. Some river gauges have already seen their crest while other locations further downstream continue to rise.
The most significant river flooding has been seen along the Spring River and Black River across northeastern Arkansas. These waters have receded significantly, but areas downstream have seen a significant rise in water levels in recent days. Here's where things stand as of Friday evening—and what you need to know if you live, work, or plan to travel near these rivers.
White River
The White River, particularly through eastern Arkansas, is known for its long flood response time. Even after the rain ends, water levels may remain high or continue to rise. Agricultural areas and communities like Newport and Augusta reached major flooding, but these locations are currently cresting or starting to see waters recede.
Meanwhile further downstream, water continues to rise or is just now beginning to crest. That is the case at Georgetown, where there is major flooding ongoing. It will begin to recede in the next few days. But Des Arc and Clarendon are seeing waters continue to rise. They should crest through the weekend into early next week before falling.
Ouachita & Saline Rivers
The Ouachita River at Arkadelphia is already below flood stage, and should stay there. But further downstream, river flooding continues. Camden reached its crest late this week, and will continue to see waters recede through the weekend. Still, flood waters are at moderate flooding now at Thatcher Lock & Dam. It will likely crest on Sunday at major flood.
The Saline River has started falling at Benton as well, and is well below flood stage. But further downstream at Rye (Cleveland County), we're just now reaching crest. It should begin to fall over the weekend in this area.
If your home is in a flood-prone zone, review your emergency plan and consider moving valuables to higher ground. Even minor flooding can cause road closures and disrupt access to rural areas.
Buffalo, Little Red & Cache Rivers
The Buffalo River at St. Joe is just fine. But significant flooding remains a problem along the Little Red River at Judsonia and the Cache River at Patterson.
As of Friday evening, Judsonia was observing minor flooding and just beginning to crest. It will slowly start to recede there in the next few days as waters continue to recede along the White River where it drains.
The Cache River at Patterson (Woodruff County) is still cresting at moderate flood. It will slowly fall in the coming days as waters recede in the White River, which is where it also drains.
Arkansas River
The largest of our rivers has been running high in recent days. But already, we are seeing improvements. All gauges are below flood stage and now falling.
General Flood Safety Tips:
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can carry a vehicle off the road.
- Stay informed with NOAA Weather Radio, local news, and emergency alerts on your phone.
- Have a go-bag ready if you live in an area that frequently floods—include meds, important documents, and basic supplies.
Conditions will gradually improve as runoff slows and rivers crest, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Additional rainfall in the forecast could compound existing issues. We'll continue to monitor river gauges and update you on any new warnings or advisories.
from KARK https://ift.tt/3ieNBaI
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