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Officials are warning of further major flooding of the White River and flooding of other rivers as water from seven Arkansas lakes is released in emergency measures to prevent overflowing.
According to data provided by the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS,) the White River is already at major flood level at Des Arc and Clarendon, with water levels still expected to rise dramatically over the coming days as severe weather and heavy rains push through the state and swell lakes to record levels.
As a result of water being released from Lake Norfork, the White River at Calico Rock is expect to rise by up to 25 feet in just over 24 hours, putting the river at 33 feet and major flood stage. Major flooding is also expected for the White River at Batesville by early Friday morning, and Newport by early Sunday morning.
Those living downstream of dams or living in flood plains are encouraged to be alert of rising river levels, and to make preparations for major, severe flooding. Evacuations of certain areas by local emergency management officials are possible.
The US Army Corps of engineers is advising that the following lakes are releasing water into the White River either directly or indirectly:
| 1 | Lake Norfork | Officials are releasing as much water as they can through turbines into the Norfork River, which flows into the White River, and additional water is being released through the spillway gates. Lake Norfork is over 60 years old and is now at a record level |
| 2 | Beaver Lake | Water is being released through the spillway |
| 3 | Table Rock Lake | The lake is nearing capacity and officials are making turbine and spillway releases, which may have to be increased. |
| 4 | Bull Shoals Lake | Bull Shoals lake is at 84% of storage capacity, and officials are making releases through power generators. |
| 5 | Greers Ferry Lake | The lake is at 79% of storage capacity and officials are making releases through power generators. |
The following lakes are also releasing water, though not into the White River:
| 1 | Lake Nimrod | Water is being released into the Fourche River. |
| 2 | Blue Mountain Lake | Water is being released through the spillway into the Petit Jean River |
Current River Levels and Forecasts can be found at the AHPS' website:
Click here to see current river levels in Arkansas
Click here to see 48-hour forecase river levels in Arkansas
Channel 7 has put together a Flooding Help information section for those threatened or already affected by flooding. The section gives links and numbers to helpful websites that provide flood warnings, forecasts, flood preparedness advice, recovery advice and disaster relief:
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