Flood — Randolph, Arkansas

2017-05-01 to 2017-05-05 · near Supply, Randolph, Arkansas

Event narrative

Heavy rain brought the Black River at Pocahontas to a record crest that topped the April 2011 flood. The levee east of town broke in at least nine places, including one 300 yard stretch, sending water across much of Randolph County. East Pocahontas was flooded and suffered major damage. Highway 67 was flooded between Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge. Highway 67/62 between Pocahontas and Corning was flooded. Highways 166 and 304 were also closed. Highway 304 was closed for 37 days. The Current River also flooded farmland in eastern Randolph County. Numerous homes, farms, businesses and vehicles were flooded. Many roads and bridges were flooded and damaged. More than 500 people were evacuated Pocahontas. At least 50 homes were destroyed or damaged by flooding in Pocahontas. The Elnora Freewill Baptist Church was heavily damaged. The Randolph County Jail had to evacuate prisoners.

Wider weather episode

Very heavy rain fell across the Eleven Point River, Current River and Black River basins in Missouri and Arkansas at the end of April into early. As a result major river flooding occured in Clay, Randolph and Lawrence counties into early May. The levee along the Black River east of Pocahontas failed resulting in flash flooding across parts of Randolph and Lawrence counties. A major disaster declaration was granted for Clay, Lawrence and Randolph Counties.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.4368, -90.7862)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 698112. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.