A downpour of rain is currently moving across a good portion of northern Arkansas, and some areas are already reporting flooding.
Independence, Cleburne, White, and southern Stone counties are all under a Flash Flood Warning until 6:20 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) says two to four inches of rain have already fallen in the warned area, and additional amounts could be between one to three inches.
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in those affected counties. In Batesville, flooding has been reported on Gap Road (State Highway 394), and the heavy downpour has also affected some traffic on Harrison Street.
Flash flooding can affect small creeks and streams, highways, streets, underpasses, and other poor drainage and low-lying areas. As always: When encountering flooded roads, turn around — don’t drown. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
A flood warning has been issued from late Wednesday night until further notice for the Black River at Black Rock. The NWS expects minor flooding of agricultural land along both banks of the river, affecting Lawrence, Independence, and Jackson counties.
The forecast shows the Black River rising above its flood stage of 14 feet just after 12 a.m. By early Friday afternoon, the river will have risen to a crest of 23 feet. At 24 feet, thousands of acres of croplands and pastures would flood, according to the NWS. State Highway 37 in Independence County, east of Cord, might also flood.
Gusty winds are also expected tonight as many counties in the area will be under a Wind Advisory from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph could be expected at times, with possible gusts up to 40 mph. The NWS reminds everyone that unsecured objects could be tossed around in such winds, tree limbs could be blown down, and some power outages could occur.
The system is expected to move out of the state early Thursday morning.
Screenshot: National Weather Service radar
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
