NWS Extends Flooding Warning Through Thursday

As previously reported, the National Weather Service had issued a flooding warning for Phillips County, Arkansas until 6:15 p.m. today. That warning has been extended until 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011.

Here's the full text of the warning:

Issued by The National Weather Service

Memphis, TN
3:11 pm CDT, Sun., May. 8, 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS EXTENDED THE

* FLOOD WARNING FOR SMALL STREAMS IN... SOUTH CENTRAL CRITTENDEN COUNTY IN EASTERN ARKANSAS... SOUTHERN LEE COUNTY IN EASTERN ARKANSAS... PHILLIPS COUNTY IN EASTERN ARKANSAS... COAHOMA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... DESOTO COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... PANOLA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... QUITMAN COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... TATE COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... TUNICA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI... NORTHWESTERN YALOBUSHA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI...

* UNTIL 615 PM CDT THURSDAY

* RECENT HEAVY RAINS COMBINED WITH BACKWATER FLOODING BY THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WILL AFFECT THE WARNED AREA. THIS WILL RESULT IN WIDESPREAD FLOODING IN THE 100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN WITH NUMEROUS ROAD CLOSURES AND AREAS POTENTIALLY UNDER A THREAT OF EVACUATION.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR HAS BEEN REPORTED. STREAM RISES WILL BE SLOW AND FLASH FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED. HOWEVER... ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS IMMEDIATELY.

.STAY TUNED TO THIS BROADCAST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND INFORMATION. TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER ONLY... CALL 1 800 4 3 2 0 8 7 5.

Local officials assure us that they have taken all necessary precautions to protect local residents. A sense of nervousness still seems to prevail in the community. Several request have been made for local officials to at least make a public statement on the contingency plans in case the flooding become as serious in Helena-West Helena as it has in Memphis, Des Arc, Cotton Plant and other communities.

The Walker Street Levee drainage channel has been closed because of flooding. It is now leaking and is closed from Pecan Street through Ohio Street because of minor road damage. The Sea Wall has been installed for the first time in many years at the concrete wall in south Helena near the Gazebo at the Main Stage on Cherry Street. Sand bags have also been placed at the site as well.

In the sanding news, the Southwestern Bell building on Franklin and Rightor has sand bags around it. When queried whether Southwestern Bell knew "something the rest of us didn't" the answer was a resounding no. Also, in Turner, AR, just south of Marvell on Highway 1 South heading toward Dewitt, a citizen has built his/her own protective wall of dirt about 10 high around the modern home which is located close to a creek. These actions seems to be out of an "abundance of caution."

The Scoop has gathered the following resource information (Phone Numbers) for Phillips County:

In Case of Emergency: DIAL 911

Honorable Arnell Willis, Mayor 8707141173

Honorable Don Gentry, County Judge 8703384620

Mr. Mike Burchett, Office of Emergency Services 8703384697

Mr. Tommy "Car Wash" Cole 8707141938

Senator Jack Crumbly 8702707650

State Representative Clark Hall 8708160231

Mr. Ray Price, Chief of Police 8707141449

Mr. Reginald Wilson, Fire Chief, 8708165881

See Also Our Resources:
Previous Flood Warning for Resourceful Information;
Road Closures;
I-40 Detour Information.

Should The Inside Scoop Online gain additional information, we will share it with you.