Flash Flood — Benton, Arkansas

2013-08-08 · near Bentonville, Benton, Arkansas

Event narrative

Several city streets were closed due to widespread flooding. Significant damage to roads and bridges occurred in this portion of the county. At least six homes were damaged by flood waters. Numerous water rescues were necessary.

Wider weather episode

Widespread heavy rains occurred late on the 7th and through the morning of the 8th across northwest Arkansas where a nearly stationary frontal boundary was in place. Deep moisture and modest instability allowed for numerous showers and thunderstorms to develop and move over the area, resulting in widespread flash flooding. Significant damage occurred to roads and bridges due to flooding across Benton and Carroll Counties. Intense thunderstorms developed during the afternoon south of the frontal boundary, where strong surface heating combined with deep moisture and instability. Large hail and damaging winds occurred with the stronger storms over parts of west central Arkansas.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.3887, -94.2212)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 473758. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.