April 11, 2025 — Following several days of intense rainfall and severe weather, river systems across Arkansas remain swollen, with several still rising even as others begin to crest or recede. Residents near major rivers are urged to remain cautious, as flood conditions vary significantly by region and could worsen with additional rainfall.
White River
The White River, known for its slow-moving flood response, continues to cause concern, especially in eastern Arkansas. While towns like Newport and Augusta reached major flood stage earlier this week, water levels there are now beginning to crest or slowly recede.
Downstream areas are still under threat. In Georgetown, major flooding is ongoing, though waters are expected to start falling in the next few days. Communities further along the river, including Des Arc and Clarendon, are still seeing rising water levels. These areas are anticipated to crest through the weekend into early next week.
Ouachita & Saline Rivers
The Ouachita River at Arkadelphia has dropped below flood stage, offering some relief. However, areas downstream are still contending with elevated water levels:
- Camden has passed its crest, and waters are now receding.
- Thatcher Lock & Dam is currently experiencing moderate flooding, expected to crest on Sunday at major flood stage.
The Saline River at Benton is also falling and remains below flood stage. Further downstream at Rye in Cleveland County, the river is just now cresting, with a gradual decline expected over the weekend.
Buffalo, Little Red & Cache Rivers
- The Buffalo River at St. Joe poses no flood threat at this time.
- The Little Red River at Judsonia is experiencing minor flooding and is just beginning to crest, with a slow decrease expected.
- The Cache River at Patterson in Woodruff County remains in moderate flood, still cresting as of Friday evening. Like others, it will begin to recede in the coming days as the White River drains.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River, the state’s largest, has seen significant improvement. All monitored points are below flood stage and continuing to fall, signaling positive trends for affected communities.
| River | Location | Flood Stage | Current Level | Status | Crest Info | Flood Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River | Dardanelle | 32′ | 14.9′ | Falling | — | None |
| Arkansas River | Morrilton | 30′ | 19.0′ | Falling | — | None |
| Arkansas River | Toad Suck | 275′ | 264.3′ | Falling | — | None |
| Arkansas River | Little Rock | 23′ | 10.2′ | Falling | — | None |
| Arkansas River | Pine Bluff | 42′ | 33.8′ | Falling | — | None |
| Arkansas River | Pendleton | 31′ | 28.2′ | Falling | — | None |
| Buffalo River | St. Joe | 27′ | 7.7′ | Falling | — | None |
| Little Red River | Judsonia | 30′ | 31.3′ | Cresting Now | — | Minor |
| Cache River | Patterson | 9′ | 11.5′ | Cresting Now | — | Moderate |
| White River | Batesville | 15′ | 10.0′ | Falling | — | None |
| White River | Newport | 26′ | 29.8′ | Falling | — | Near Flood |
| White River | Augusta | 26′ | 36.0′ | Cresting Now | — | Moderate |
| White River | Georgetown | 21′ | 28.3′ | Cresting Now | — | Moderate |
| White River | Des Arc | 24′ | 32.5′ | Rising | 33.0′ Saturday | Moderate |
| White River | Clarendon | 26′ | 30.3′ | Rising | 32.0′ Tuesday | Moderate |
| Ouachita River | Arkadelphia | 17′ | 13.6′ | Falling | — | None |
| Ouachita River | Camden | 26′ | 37.2′ | Falling | — | Moderate |
| Ouachita River | Thatcher | 79′ | 92.0′ | Rising | 94.0′ Sunday | Moderate |
| Saline River | Benton | 18′ | 4.9′ | Falling | — | None |
| Saline River | Rye | 26′ | 29.4′ | Cresting Now | — | Minor |
Analysis of Added Data:
- White River:
- Batesville: At 10.0′, below the flood stage of 15′, and falling. No flood risk.
- Newport: At 29.8′, just below the flood stage of 26′, and falling. This is Near Flood (yellow) due to proximity to the flood stage.
- Augusta: At 36.0′, well above the flood stage of 26′, and cresting now. Indicates a Moderate flood risk (red).
- Georgetown: At 28.3′, above the flood stage of 21′, and cresting now. Indicates a Moderate flood risk (red).
- Des Arc: At 32.5′, above the flood stage of 24′, and rising, with a crest of 33.0′ expected on Saturday. Indicates a Moderate flood risk (red).
- Clarendon: At 30.3′, above the flood stage of 26′, and rising, with a crest of 32.0′ expected on Tuesday. Indicates a Moderate flood risk (red).
- Ouachita River:
- Arkadelphia: At 13.6′, below the flood stage of 17′, and falling. No flood risk.
- Camden: At 37.2′, above the flood stage of 26′, and falling. Indicates a Moderate flood risk (red).
- Thatcher: At 92.0′, above the flood stage of 79′, and rising, with a crest of 94.0′ expected on Sunday. Indicates a Moderate flood risk (red).
- Saline River:
- Benton: At 4.9′, well below the flood stage of 18′, and falling. No flood risk.
- Rye: At 29.4′, above the flood stage of 26′, and cresting now. Indicates a Minor flood risk (orange).
Overall Observations:
- Several locations are experiencing or nearing flood conditions:
- Minor Flooding: Judsonia (Little Red River) and Rye (Saline River).
- Moderate Flooding: Patterson (Cache River), Augusta, Georgetown, Des Arc, and Clarendon (White River), Camden and Thatcher (Ouachita River).
- Near Flood: Newport (White River) is very close to the flood stage but not yet exceeding it.
- Locations with rising levels and upcoming crests (Des Arc, Clarendon, Thatcher) may see worsening conditions in the coming days.
- Most other locations are below flood stages and falling, indicating no immediate flood risk.
Flood Safety Reminders:
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
- Stay updated with NOAA Weather Radio, local news, and emergency alerts on your phone.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, review your emergency plan and consider moving valuables to higher ground.
- Prepare a go-bag with essentials like medications, documents, water, and food in case you need to evacuate quickly.
While many rivers are nearing their peaks, the threat is not over. With more rain in the forecast, officials warn that additional flooding could occur. Stay alert and take precautions as conditions evolve.
