Rivers and bayous expected to rise as runoff flows south

Risk of flooding continues as local waterways fill to capacity

By Don Wilburn

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

After a tumultuous week facing down Mother Nature's fury Crittenden County residents might not be getting the break they so desperately deserve. With more showers expected on Thursday and rivers draining to the north beginning to deposit their contents further south, Crittenden residents are not out the woods (or water) yet.

The Black River reached 19.65 feet and began cresting in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Sunday, marking the start of its rise south into Arkansas.

The river’s movement downstream has led to growing concerns in several Arkansas communities now bracing for flood impacts.

In Corning,, the river had already entered major flood stage by Sunday, sitting at 12.7 feet and climbing. It was expected to crest at 16.5 feet by 1p.m. Tuesday, April 8.

That forecast still falls below the area’s record of 18.1 feet but continues to be closely monitored.

Further downstream in Pocahontas, water levels increased faster than predicted. By 9a.m. Monday, April 7, the Black River had reached 23.54 feet.. The National Weather Service had previously predicted a Thursday crest at 24 feet. That ha s now been revised to 26.5 feet by 7 a.m. Wednesday. If that occurs, U.S. Highway 67 between Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge is expected to flood, and access to numerous homes may be cut off. Evacuations may become necessary. The 26.5-foot prediction would surpass the December 1982 flood, when the river reached 25.2 feet and caused significant damage to homes and businesses.

Highway 304, which connects Highway 67 and Delaplaine, has been closed due to high water. State Highway 25 between Black Rock and Powhatan is also closed.

Arkansas Highways 69 and 14 west of Newport were also closed as of Tuesday evening. Areas of Hwy 64 heading towards Earle and Wynne are reported still under water.

In Black Rock, the river crested early Sunday at 29.74 feet, already in major flood territory. The record there is 31.9 feet. With rainfall and runoff still factoring in, officials continue tracking the river’s rise toward in Eastern Arkansas.

Water levels along the Mississippi River are expected to rise through the next week.

Many sections along the river are already at “flood stage”, and will likely crest early next week in moderate to major flood levels. The river's current level is 29.3 feet with flooding occurring at 34 feet.

The Mississippi River is expected to crest Monday, April 14 at 37.5 feet.

Photo courtesy of the City of West Memphis