FORT SMITH- Water levels on the Arkansas River are currently at 28.7 ft and expected to crest at 34.0 ft on early Saturday afternoon. Flood stage for the river is at 22.00 ft.
“This is comparable to the December 30, 2015 flood when the river crested at 34.63 ft and May 5, 1990 flood when the river crested at 36.1 ft,” stated the Flood Warning from the National Weather Service.
The port of Fort Smith as well as nearby businesses are already flooded. Several residential subdivisions around the city have also reported flooding. The Riverfront Amphitheater has also been reported to be currently under water.
“Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast,” stated from the National Weather Service. “This is an extremely life threatening and dangerous situation”
The Fort Smith Police Department has informed the media they will be updating information on the situation in a post pinned at the top of their Facebook page, including closures.
For real time data forecast on river and lake heights, you can visit https://www.weather.gov/abrfc
For real time data on road closures, you can visit https://idrivearkansas.com/