05/23/2019 Flood Warning |
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Pope County is under immediate threat of historic river flooding along the Arkansas River. In a proactive move to mitigate risk to human life, Pope County Judge Ben Cross convened a meeting of emergency responders this morning at the Pope County Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) consisting of: Pope County Judge Pope County’s section of the Arkansas River is projected to rapidly rise on Sunday, and eventually crest out at a projected 41.0 feet, (9’ feet above flood stage), sometime on Monday. This crest will maintain flood conditions for a projected three day period. Any additional local rainfall during that timeframe could result in potentially substantial flooding in a number of locations, due to the inability for local creeks and streams to disperse the runoff. Pope County Judge Ben Cross and the members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) recommend those individuals with property, equipment, and livestock in the affected areas begin the immediate removal of those items to safeguard against loss. All areas downstream of the Dardanelle Lock and Dam in elevations that lie below the 41’ foot pool level will receive flooding. The primary areas affected will be along State Highway 105 South and the Atkins bottoms, as well as areas to south and west of Pottsville which lie adjacent to the river. The projected inundation of lands will commence when the river level exceeds 32’ feet, and it is recommended citizens maintain an active awareness of these levels throughout this event by accessing local media and the websites of the National Weather Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. |