LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Dec. 30, 2015) – With the Arkansas River expected to crest above the flood stage in Little Rock later this week, the City of Little Rock is monitoring areas including Fourche Creek and recreation spots for flooding. Residents are being urged to heed all emergency and weather-related advisories and checking weather.gov for current information.

The National Weather Service has issued a river flood warning for the Arkansas River at Little Rock. If the river crests in Little Rock around 26 feet as expected, it would be in the top 10 historic crests since records were kept and the only one from this century to make the list, according to the National Weather Service. In June 2015, the Arkansas River crested at 22.89 feet.

Already, several city parks are being closed, including Boyle, Hindman, Kanis, Murray, and Rebsamen Golf Course. The William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands also have been closed because of flooding. Barricades have been placed at the north end of the Two Rivers Park bridge and near the restrooms west of the bridge, effectively closing that city-maintained portion of the park. 

Parks and Recreation crews are keeping an eye on those and other parks for signs of high water and dangerous conditions. Rebsamen Golf Course is expected to stay closed through Jan. 9, 2016. The City’s two other golf courses, War Memorial and Hindman, are currently open save for New Year’s Day.

The residential area near the Fourche Dam Pike is of particular concern, because as the Arkansas River crests there, Fourche Creek will flood. The area is being monitored around the clock for any changing conditions, and residents are being advised to keep a close watch for flooding. Public Works staff assisted Pulaski County Levee District No. 2 in the closing of the five levee gates by the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport on Tuesday.

Residents can follow the City of Little Rock on Facebook, Instagram (citylittlerock), and Twitter (@CityLittleRock) for weather-related updates. 

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