Parts of the South could see strong thunderstorms and some flooding this week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock has issued a flood warning until late Saturday night for the Black River. The river is expected to rise above the flood stage at 14.0 feet on Wednesday and expected to crest at 16.5 feet on Thursday morning, according to the NWS.
At 8 a.m., Tuesday, the stage was 11.0 feet. The flood stage is 14.0 feet. At 14.0 feet, minor flooding begins, and farm ground along the east bank begins to flood. At 17.0 feet, low-lying cultivated land and pastures along the Black River in Lawrence, Jackson, and Independence counties will likely flood, the NWS forecasts.
A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. As the NWS says, “Turn around, don’t drown,” when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Showers and a few thunderstorms will become more numerous through Tuesday afternoon and evening, the NWS says. Some strong to briefly severe thunderstorms could be seen across mainly the southern half to third of the state. Strong winds will be the primary threat with the strongest storms along with some marginally severe hail also possible. Some areas of heavy rainfall could also be seen through Tuesday night with an increased flash flood threat as a result over western, northwestern, and into northern sections of the area.
For the middle of the week, scattered mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms will be possible. By the weekend however, the weather service predicts showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread as a slow-moving, upper-level system affects the state.
Showers and thunderstorms will remain likely into early next week. Rain could be heavy at times, and the NWS says this could lead to the threat of flash flooding, especially in areas that received heavy rainfall early this week. Some rises on area rivers and streams are possible as well.
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