The Arkansas River is expected to crest at 51.5 feet on Friday, up from the previously projected crest of 51 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
That’s just shy of the all-time record of 52.1 feet set in 1943. Flood stage is 42 feet.
The crest date has been shifted several times. And rain is in the forecast.
From the National Weather Service:
FLOOD STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR 858 AM CDT Thu Jun 6 2019 ...From theNational Weather Service in Little Rock...the Flood Warning continues for the following river in Arkansas... Arkansas River At Little Rock affecting Pulaski County Arkansas River At Dardanelle 1 NE affecting Pope and Yell Counties Arkansas River At Morrilton affecting Conway and Perry Counties Arkansas River At Toad Suck Lock And Dam Tailwater affecting Faulkner and Perry Counties Arkansas River At Pine Bluff affecting Jefferson and Lincoln Counties River forecasts are based on current conditions and rainfall forecasted to occur over the next 18 hours. During periods of flooding...Evening forecasts are reissued with updated rainfall forecasts.
Showers and thunderstorms will be likely over much of the state today and tonight. Stronger storms will be efficient rainfall producers and capable of producing quite a bit of rain in a short period of time. Due to already saturated ground from heavy rains and ongoing flooding, it will not take much rain to cause flash flooding or runoff issues. The heaviest rain is expected over western and northwest Arkansas. Also, while an isolated strong storm won`t be out of the question, the overall threat of severe thunderstorms is low. Meanwhile, the Arkansas River will continue to rise or remain high, with major flooding continuing at all forecast points along the river.