Area officials are watching more expected bands of heavy rain through the weekend for potential flooding.
While nothing has been reported yet in Butler County, Emergency Management Agency Director Robbie Myers said low lying areas prone to flooding could be impacted first. Rainfall is being monitored, so first responders are prepared to take action if needed, he said.
The Poplar Bluff area received about 2 inches through early Thursday afternoon, with up to another 3.5 inches possible through Saturday, according to meteorologist Ashley Ravenscraft.
The NWS had also received reports early Thursday morning from officials in the Van Buren and Ellsinore areas about street flooding, she said.
“They said a lot of the smaller streams and such were reaching the edge of the banks and there was some streets that aren’t normally prone to flooding, that were getting water,” Ravenscraft said. “As the rain let up (this morning), the water was receding.”
Heavier bands of showers are still expected to move up from Northeast Arkansas tonight.
“Which will only work to agitate the already stressed streams and small rivers,” Ravenscraft said, warning, “Flash flooding is definitely possible. People really need to be careful when they are on the roads (in those areas.)”
The Black River at Poplar Bluff had reached 10.8 feet as of 11:15 a.m., the most recent data reported by the NWS. It is expected to crest Friday at 14.5 feet, with flood stage at 16 feet. The current crest is based on recent rainfall.
The Black River has risen about 5 feet since Sunday.
The Current River at Van Buren was at 13.83 feet earlier this afternoon, and is expected to reach 16 feet today. Flood stage is 20 feet.
The Current River is expected to reach levels that could cause minor flooding in the Doniphan area. It was at 8.65 feet as of 11:30 a.m., and predicted to crest late tonight at 15 feet. Flood stage is 13 feet.
Clearwater Lake, which impacts levels on the Black River, is currently at 512.11 feet and rising about one foot every four hours.
Wappapello Lake, which impacts the St. Francis River, climbed to 369.97 feet as of 12:30 p.m. today, up a little over a foot.
The St. Louis district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, activated its Emergency Operations Center today as part of its continued readiness posture and response to rising forecasted river stages. Wappapello Lake is in the St. Louis district, along with many other Corps operations.
The EOC will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to a press release.
“Forecasts have risen significantly the past 24-hours due to increased flows from the Upper Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers,” said John Osterhage, chief of emergency operations at the District. “Activating the EOC allows us to respond to high water events, to get our experts out in the field, and to support our partners and local communities.”
Rainfall has been trending up this year in March and April, Ravenscraft said.
“We’ve had a persistent southerly flow that’s kept this strong surge of moisture coming into the area,” she said, adding more rainfall could be expected next week as well.