Extensive, widespread reports of flooding in Arkansas

Channel 7 News has received numerous reports of flooding across the state following heavy rains and storms over the weekend into Monday morning.
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© Esther Chapman
Lake Hamilton, Arkansas

    
The Arkansas River Trail on the North Little Rock side is "basically closed" due to the high water from the Arkansas River. As of 3:30 p.m. Monday, the river is at 15 feet and beginning to encroach on the trails. By Tuesday night the river will be at 21 feet and most of the trails will be completely underwater. Specifically, the trail is closed from the entrance to the Big Rock Quarry to the Big Dam Bridge. The closure is expected to last for at least a few days.

Toad Suck Park in Bigelow, just outside of Conway, was evacuated Monday due to increased flow of the Arkansas River. No flooding has been reported yet, but the Corps of Engineers says it is anticipating flooding overnight into Tuesday.

National Weather Service meteorologists continue to monitor releases from Remmel Dam in Hot Spring County. The water is rushing from Lake Catherine down to the Ouachita River. Officials are warning residents of significant flooding downstream.

In Garland County, officials are also monitoring the waters flowing from Carpenter Dam into the Ouachita River. There are several reports of flooding at Lake Hamilton, with water covering many boat docks and rising over yards. Several county roads have been washed out.

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© Melissa Burkhead
Boone Road in Bryant, Arkansas

    
County officials have declared a state of emergency in Franklin County after waters have reportedly wiped out some bridges and roads. Emergency personnel had to rescue several people caught up in the rising waters. According to the sheriff's department, a woman was rescued Monday morning after attempting to drive her car through a flooded area. Crews were brought in to temporarily fix the roads. The deputy coordinator with Franklin County's Office of Emergency Management says if the damage becomes more costly, the county will consider requesting a Federal Disaster Declaration in addition to the state assistance request.

The Yell County Sheriff's Department says every county road has flooding. Eight people were rescued overnight, including four teenage girls who ended up in a creek. Two of the girls were injured and were transported to a hospital in Russellville. Yell County authorities say they have run out of signs to close roads.

Flood damage has closed part of Highway 234 in Little River County, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department officials. Crews will replace a damaged drainage structure on Highway 234 near Winthrop, between Ashdown and DeQueen. Detour routes will be indicated using Highway 41 South and Highway 108 East. It's estimated the road will be closed until Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Flooding is reported in other counties, including Pulaski, Saline, Perry, Clark, Johnson, Ouachita, Searcy, Sebastian, and Nevada counties.

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© Franklin County
Hwy 23

    

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