Flood Warning Issued for Black River Affecting Independence, Jackson, and Lawrence Counties

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Little Rock has issued a Flood Warning for the Black River at Black Rock. This alert was issued on the morning of March 8 and remains in effect from Monday evening, March 9, until further notice.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers regions in the following Arkansas counties:

• Independence County
• Jackson County
• Lawrence County

Impacted areas include the Black River near Black Rock, Corning, and Pocahontas.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Turn around, don’t drown: Never attempt to drive through flooded roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
• Avoid flooded areas: Stay away from low-lying cultivated land and pastures near the river.
• Monitor updates: River forecasts are updated regularly based on current conditions and rainfall. The next official statement is expected Monday morning at 9:15 AM CDT.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is currently forecast for the Black River. As of 8:00 AM CDT Sunday, the river stage was recorded at 11.1 feet. The official flood stage is 14.0 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage on Monday evening and continue climbing to a projected 17.0 feet by Friday. At the 17.0-foot mark, flooding of low-lying cultivated land and pastures in Lawrence, Jackson, and Independence counties is expected. Additional rises are possible after Friday.

Timeline

• Alert Issued: Sunday, March 8 at 9:15 AM CDT
• Flood Onset: Monday evening, March 9
• Peak Forecast: Friday, March 13 (reaching 17.0 feet)
• Duration: Until further notice