Weather
Flash Flood Emergency declared for Little Rock, Arkansas
Life-Threatening Flooding Ongoing Across Central Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, AR — A Flash Flood Emergency has been declared for the Little Rock metro area as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) continues to unfold across Central Arkansas.
The National Weather Service has issued an urgent warning as catastrophic flooding is either ongoing or imminent in areas including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Cabot, and Searcy.
Current Conditions
- Over 7 inches of rain have fallen in some areas today, with Little Rock alone receiving more than 4 inches in a matter of hours.
- Rain gauges across Central Arkansas are reporting between 6 to 10 inches of rainfall from this slow-moving, training line of thunderstorms.
- Up to 15 inches of rainfall is possible in isolated areas by Sunday, which will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and major river flooding.
Impacted Areas
- Low-lying neighborhoods, urban centers, and areas near rivers and creeks are experiencing rapid rises in water levels.
- Numerous flash flood incidents have already been reported, and more than 100 emergency calls related to high water have been logged.
- Major river flooding is expected along the Arkansas, White, and Spring Rivers, with some communities potentially reaching record crest levels.
Infrastructure Impact
- North Hills Boulevard has multiple trees down, including a large tree blocking both lanes in front of The Lakewood House.
- 5 Mile Creek is nearing overflow onto nearby roadways.
- Numerous roads are impassable due to high water, and vehicles have already become stranded.
Weather Threats
- While the severe weather threat has passed for Texarkana, Little River, Sevier, Howard, Pike, Hempstead, Miller, Polk, Montgomery, and Scott counties, flooding remains a major concern.
- Additional tropical downpours are likely, bringing the risk of renewed or worsening flash flooding.
- Areas east and south of Little Rock remain under threat for severe storms, including the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
Public Safety Alerts & What You Must Do:
- DO NOT drive through flooded roads. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet and less than two feet to carry away most vehicles.
- If you live near a river, creek, or low-lying area—prepare immediately. Move to higher ground if possible and secure valuables.
- Monitor official weather alerts closely. Follow instructions from local emergency management and the National Weather Service.
- Do not leave your home unless absolutely necessary. Emergency services are stretched thin, and rescue resources should not be diverted for avoidable situations.
This is a life-threatening emergency.
The term Flash Flood Emergency is reserved for only the most severe flooding scenarios. Please take this seriously, stay off the roads, and protect yourself and your family.
For real-time updates, tune in to local weather stations or follow the National Weather Service – Little Rock and Arkansas Division of Emergency Management on social media.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.