Flood in Union County, Arkansas

Excessive heavy rainfall that fell during the middle and latter half of October resulted in very high river levels on the Ouachita River at Felsenthal, Arkansas. The river did not crest until the first part of November so the crest information will be included in the November publication of Storm Data. At the end of October, the river level at the Felsenthal Lock and Dam was near 83 feet which was some 13 feet above flood stage. Most of the communities residents had to move to higher ground as water was reported in as many as 15 homes with many city streets flooded and closed. Upwards of 14 homes in the Calion area were inundated by flood waters. Shelters were being setup to house the evacuated residents. Meals were provided by local chapters of the Red Cross. Most of the towns streets were inundated as well with water 5 foot deep across some roads. Travel by boat became necessary by the end of the month, especially in the Moro Bay areas. Union County, Arkansas was declared a Federal Disaster Area because of the extensive flooding and storm damage that occurred during the month of October.

Excessive heavy rainfall in the northern portion of the Ouachita River Basin resulted in very high water conditions on the Ouachita River at the Felsenthal Lock and Dam.