Governor Asa Hutchinson has directed Arkansas National Guard General Mark Berry to deploy 26 members of the Arkansas Guard in anticipation of flooding that may continue through next week.
The two high-water-rescue teams will be stationed in western Arkansas by Saturday morning and will move southeast with the floodwaters.
“We are preparing to deal with the record-breaking floodwaters that meteorologists and the Corps of Engineers are predicting for the coming days,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I have directed General Berry to deploy two thirteen-member teams and will direct the deployment of more guardsmen as needed. If your local emergency management officials order an evacuation, please heed their warning.”
The Arkansas River is expected to crest at record levels. Meteorologists have compared the potential flooding to water levels in the 1990 floods.
“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," the National Weather Service said.
Officials have issued a warning that drivers not cross flood-swollen creeks. “Turn around. Don’t drown.”
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