Flood warnings issued for Ouachita, Little Missouri rivers

The National Weather Service in Little Rock issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers Tuesday in the area:

• Little Missouri River near Boughton affecting Clark, Ouachita and Nevada counties

• Ouachita River at Arkadelphia affecting Clark and Hot Spring counties

Minor flooding is forecast for both rivers based on current conditions and rainfall forecasted to occur over the next 24 hours. 

The Ouachita River is expected to rise above flood stage (17 feet) Tuesday afternoon to a crest of 21 feet Thursday morning. The river was measured Tuesday morning at 15.7 feet. At 21 feet, state Highway 7 and 51 east of Arkadelphia is flooded; the railroad underpass is closed.

The Little Missouri River is forecast to crest at 20.5 feet Wednesday afternoon, 0.5 feet above flood stage. The river level was measured at 14.1 feet at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. At 20 feet, pastures along the river begin to flood; water begins backing up Half Moon Slough and Boggy Creek in southwest Clark County.

Clark County remains under a Flood Watch through Wednesday evening. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.