Staff reports 23,000 sand bags; assisting with 20 rescues

While monitoring of historic flood waters around Little Rock continues, City of Little Rock Public Works and Emergency Management staff report that even as the Arkansas River’s 29-foot expected crest approaches Tuesday morning, most Little Rock homes are expected to remain dry though water will get very close.

Early Monday, staff reported that the Arkansas River in Little Rock was at 28.9 feet and was expected to reach 29.2 feet by Tuesday morning and be down to 26 feet by the weekend. Flood stage for the river is 23 feet.

Public Works Director Jon Honeywell reports that the biggest concern right now is more rain. “Because underground drainage systems are at capacity from flood levels leaving no room for runoff to enter the system,” he said.  

The Little Rock Fire Department reported assisting West Pulaski Fire Department in the evacuation of 20 people, five dogs and four cats from homes on County Farm and Beck Roads while in Little Rock, Riverwalk Apartments evacuated 18 residents to other apartments.

Sand bag operations have slowed, with staff reporting that more than 23,000 have been made available for distribution. Residents in need of sand bags may still go to the Public Works Operations Facility at 3313 J.E. Davis Drive or War Memorial Park where they can fill sand bags themselves.

Additionally, the following road and bridge closures remain in place:

• Rebsamen Park Road – Closed from Riverfront Drive (roundabout) to Overlook Road
• River Mountain Road – Closed at entrance to Two Rivers Bridge Parking lot
• Riverfront Drive – Closed from Cottondale Drive to Rebsamen Park Road (roundabout).
• Cottondale Drive – Closed at Cottondale Lane
• Big Dam Bridge Pedestrian Bridge
• Two Rivers Pedestrian Bridge
• Clinton Presidential Park Bridge
• 6^th Street at Pepper Street
• Intersection of East 30^th and Barber street

Little Rock Police urge residents to obey closure signs and barricades and to remember the admonition “Turn Around! Don’t Drown!”