Gov. Hutchinson declares state of emergency in advance of Arkansas River flooding
by May 25, 2019 9:03 am 526 views
Heavy rains and powerful storms have dumped unseasonably large amounts of water in upstream rivers. As a result state and federal officials are bracing for flooding along the lock-and-dam controlled Arkansas River.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson has declared a state of emergency for Arkansas in anticipation of the severe flooding along the Arkansas River in the coming week.
Hutchinson directed Arkansas National Guard General Mark Berry to deploy 26 members of the Arkansas Guard in anticipation of the flooding. Two high-water-rescue teams will be stationed in western Arkansas by Saturday morning and will move southeast with the floodwaters.
The Governor will direct the deployment of more guardsmen as needed.
The Arkansas River is expected to crest at record levels this weekend and continue through next week.
In a press release announcing the state of emergency, Hutchinson encouraged Arkansans to stay alert and heed the warnings of local emergency management officials.