Life-threatening flooding: 10 inches of sudden rain in parts of Arkansas

A series of left-over low-pressure systems and troughs passing through the area will keep the atmosphere unstable enough to keep the rains and thunderstorms coming across southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana today. High flood risk as excessive rain will continue to affect the same area on Wednesday.

Heavy rains continue to sit over the same general area since midnight. There is a large swath under a flash flood warning affecting areas just east of Texarkana through El Dorado, Ark., and Greenville, Miss.

A flood emergency was issued for Columbia, Nevada, Lafayette, and Hempstead counties Wednesday morning. This is the most dangerous alert that could be issued dealing with flooding. Life-threatening floods were affecting over 32,000 people in this area as the radar estimated between 8 to 10 inches of rain had fallen and up to 4 inches of additional rain was expected.

Close to 6.5 inches of rain have fallen since midnight in Waldo, Ark., and other parts of Columbia County have also received over 5 inches of rain just overnight. Just to its east, the town of El Dorado has received 2.57 inches of rain and the showers continue. There could be another 2 inches of rain during the morning and early afternoon Wednesday.

Rain will taper off slowly during the afternoon hours. Residents should stay aware of low-lying areas, and those areas with poor drainage. Rivers and creeks could rise quickly.

Please make sure to turn around, don’t drown. Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles.

While the northern half of the state of Arkansas won’t be dealing with rain and flooding, they will be dealing with dangerous conditions as the extreme heat will be relentless. Heat index values could reach 110 degrees. Make sure to limit your time outdoors and stay hydrated.