FORT SMITH - The Fort Smith area continues to prepare for what could be a record flood this weekend, as the waters on the Arkansas River continue to rise.
The National Weather Service indicated that the water levels were at 32.42 feet and rising as of 7:00 AM (Friday). Flood stage is indicated at 22 feet. Forecasters say that the floodwaters will likely settle in at around 41 feet on Sunday, breaking an April 16th, 1945 record of 38.10 feet.
To put it in perspective, meteorologists say that at 37 feet, near catastrophic flooding occurs along the Arkansas River.
“The port of Fort Smith and nearby businesses are severely flooded. Several residential subdivisions around Fort Smith are flooded. Backwater flooding occurs in the trailer parks next to Lee Creek,” the Weather Service said Friday. “This exceeds conditions which occurred on May 5, 1990 when the river crested at 36.1 feet. This is an extremely dangerous and life threatening situation.”
As of 8:30 Friday morning, the following roads were affected:
Fort Smith
- Riverfront Park
- Fort Smith Park
- 66th / Kinkead
The Van Buren area is also experiencing flooding due to high water levels.
“The flood gates along the Arkansas River levee are being closed at this time,” stated Sgt. Jonathan Weir with the Van Buren Police Department.
“For your safety and the effective operation of the flood gates, only authorized personnel are permitted near the gates. As a reminder, anyone caught on the levee system can be arrested for criminal trespassing. Please avoid all flooded areas and do not drive around the barricades.”
The following roads in Van Buren have also been affected by the flooding:
Van Buren
• The road to Lee Creek Park in Downtown Van Buren
• Jefferson Street Bridge
• Rena Road between Pevehouse and Park Ridge Drive
On the Oklahoma side of the river, some residents are being evacuated due to the threat.
“The Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Town of Moffett with a voluntary evacuation, we will also be providing security, over the next few days, from looters and theives for the vacated residences,” the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department said. “Our inmate work crew is currently filling sand bags and placing them around city hall and Moffett school.”
Anyone forced from their homes due to flooding may contact the Red Cross directly for assistance at 855-891-7325. The National Weather Service keeps up with the latest predictions and flood water information at their website.
You can access the National Weather Service flood and hydrology center by clicking here.