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.
POINT COMFORT, Texas — Powerful thunderstorms swept across parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, producing extreme wind gusts that caused significant destruction in Point Comfort and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A WeatherFlow HurrNet station recorded a peak wind gust of 119 miles per hour in Point Comfort, indicating a highly destructive wind event—likely a downburst associated with a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Nearby communities also experienced intense conditions, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Palacios, Texas.
Widespread Storm Damage Reported
Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage stretching from near Coleto Creek Reservoir southeast through Point Comfort and toward Port O’Connor.
Residents and storm observers described scenes of severe impact consistent with extreme straight-line winds.
Reported damage includes:
- Downed power lines and widespread power outages across Point Comfort
- Large transmission towers toppled or severely damaged
- Trees uprooted or snapped at the base, with some falling onto homes
- Metal structures and roofing materials torn from buildings
- Vehicles, including trucks and boats, overturned by strong winds
- Billboards destroyed and outdoor infrastructure heavily damaged
One eyewitness described winds “easily exceeding 100 mph,” noting that debris, including large pieces of metal, was ripped from nearby buildings.
Additional reports suggest that a semi-truck parked at an industrial site was flipped, further underscoring the intensity of the wind event.
Possible Downburst Under Investigation
Meteorologists believe the damage pattern is consistent with a downburst, a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward upon reaching the ground, producing intense and localized wind damage.
However, the National Weather Service has confirmed that a formal damage survey will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Community Urged to Share Information
Officials are asking residents to submit photos, videos, and damage reports, including locations and estimated times, to assist with the ongoing assessment.
This information will help meteorologists better understand the storm’s impact and confirm whether the event was solely caused by straight-line winds or involved additional severe weather factors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews and utility workers are actively responding to restore power and clear debris as residents begin recovery efforts.
Authorities continue to urge caution in affected areas due to downed lines, unstable structures, and hazardous debris.
This severe weather event highlights the destructive potential of fast-moving thunderstorm systems and the importance of staying alert during rapidly changing weather conditions.