Flood in Jackson County, Arkansas

Heavy rain caused the White River at Newport to crest above major flood level and at the same stage as in December, 1982. Approximately 45 homes in Newport were damaged due to the rising water. The Jacksonport State Park was submerged by water from the river. The camping area, pavilion, playground and bathrooms were flooded. In Jackson County, 53 homes and 47 county roads confirmed damage. Arkansas Highways 14 and 69 were flooded. Agricultural damages were also noted with pastures and winter wheat losses.

Very heavy rain began developing late on the 17th in northern and western Arkansas, and continued on the 18th and early on the 19th as a powerful storm system approached from Texas. The system dredged copious moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, and sent it toward Arkansas with a deep southerly wind flow. Well above normal precipitable water was noted, which enhanced rainfall efficiency across the region.