Weather Alert: Flash Flooding Threat Persists Through Thursday
Overview
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for several regions across East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee, effective through Thursday afternoon. Excessive rainfall poses an ongoing risk of flash flooding in these areas, urging residents to closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.
Affected Areas:
East Arkansas:
Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Lee AR, Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett, and St. Francis
North Mississippi:
Alcorn, Benton MS, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Coahoma, DeSoto, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee MS, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, and Yalobusha
Southeast Missouri:
Dunklin and Pemiscot
West Tennessee:
Benton TN, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley
Timeline:
The flood watch is in effect through Thursday afternoon. Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Potential Impacts:
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall may cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. Roads may become impassable, and bridges may be closed due to high water. Residents should be prepared for potential power outages and disruptions to daily routines.
Additional Details:
Saturated soils due to previous rainfall increase the risk of flooding. Residents should stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and bulletins from the NWS and local authorities. Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if necessary.
Precautionary Actions:
1. Monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.
2. Avoid driving through flooded areas. Even a few inches of water can cause your vehicle to stall.
3. If you must walk through floodwaters, use a sturdy stick to check the depth before proceeding.
4. Move to higher ground if flooding occurs. Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.
5. Follow instructions from local authorities. They may issue evacuation orders or provide guidance on how to stay safe during the flooding.
Additional Information:
For more information on flood safety, visit the NWS website at http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood. You can also find flood safety tips and resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at https://www.fema.gov/flood.
Call to Action:
As the flood watch remains in effect, residents in the affected areas should take proactive measures to ensure their safety. Stay informed, be prepared to act quickly if necessary, and follow the instructions of local authorities. By working together, we can mitigate the risks and stay safe during this weather event.