FORT SMITH - The City of Fort Smith is making preparations for the possibility of rising waters as the Arkansas River rises above flood stage. The city made note of the following overnight:
RIVER PARK AMPHITHEATER - Breaker boxes and other electrical equipment, which is certain to be underwater at some point, have been removed to protect public safety and the people’s investment in these public assets.
RIVER TRAIL - Likewise, electrical equipment along the multi-use trail has been removed to protect it in the event water were to rise that high (which is pretty high). The trail remains OPEN at this time. If rising waters warrant closing the trail, it would be blocked off and unavailable for public use due dangers posed by flooding conditions.
SANDBAGS — Property owners in need of sandbags can get free sand and free bags at the Street Dept. facility at 3900 Kelley Hwy. A limited number of bags have been pre-made. Shovels are available for you to fill bags you may need. The Sand Pile is behind 3900 Kelley Hwy, so enter from Albert Pike (access road between corner of Kelley Hwy & Albert Pike and KHBS 40/29 studios bldg).
The Army Corps of Engineers is continuing to warn the public that flows on the Arkansas River are anticipated to exceed the May 1990 flood event flows because of persistent rainfall in Oklahoma.