Featured image: The White River at Batesville on April 5, 2025
Floodwaters in Independence County began to recede Sunday after the White River crested lower than expected, prompting officials in Batesville to begin preparations to remove levee gates and ease access restrictions.
The river reached a crest of 25 feet over the weekend—lower than initially forecast—leading city officials to declare the immediate flooding threat over. As a result, the City of Batesville announced Sunday night that the process of removing the levee gates on Southerland Drive, which were installed Saturday, will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Monday.
Despite improving conditions, several road closures remain in effect. Southerland Drive and connecting streets between Southerland and Lawrence will stay closed until all levee gates have been removed and related work is completed. Lawrence Street remains open for employee access to nearby businesses. Other flooded streets will stay closed until waters fully recede.
The weekend’s heavy rainfall will also cause disruptions for the Batesville School District. Pioneer Drive and Chaney Drive, both located near the river, are currently closed. As a result, Jennings Street—known locally as the “Baja”—will be the main access route for students and staff traveling to Batesville Junior High and Senior High campuses. Those heading to the junior high will be directed along the Baja to the campus by school resource officers, while those bound for the high school will take Golf Street and then turn left onto Pioneer Drive.
District officials are warning families to expect delays due to limited access and advised allowing extra time during morning commutes.
Image: White River Now
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