Northern Arkansas Faces Flash Flood Emergency, Prompts Water Rescues and Evacuations

On the morning of July 14th, a state of emergency was declared in northern Arkansas as severe flooding wreaked havoc on the region. The rising waters not only caused extensive damage to homes and businesses but also led to the evacuation of numerous residents.

The Devastating Impact

The National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency, emphasizing the potential for "catastrophic" damage due to the heavy rains. Marion County, near the state's border with Missouri, bore the brunt of the disaster, affecting approximately 3,867 people.

Unprecedented Rainfall

The Weather Service reported that the city of Yellville experienced an alarming 6 to 11 inches of rain within a 12-hour period, a level of precipitation that triggered the flash flood emergency. The severity of the situation was underscored by the collapse of one bridge, submersion of another, and the closure of a county road.

Community Response

In response to the crisis, water rescues were urgently carried out, and the local government, in conjunction with the Weather Service, coordinated the evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of the residents.