Flash Flooding Inundates Southwest Arkansas, Prompts Rescue Operations

Floodwater deluged parking lots and roads in southwest Arkansas on July 16 after severe thunderstorms hit the region, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

The NWS issued a flash-flood watch on Tuesday for southern Arkansas and surrounding areas. The National Hurricane Center said the flooding and heavy rainfall resulted from the former hurricane Barry passing through the area.

This video shows flooding inside the Weyerhaeuser sawmill in Dierks, Arkansas. It also shows a boat passing through the floodwaters outside the mill area. Dalton Lee Icenhower, who shared the video, said the boat was involved in a rescue operation to help people stranded by the floodwaters nearby.

Citing officials, local media reported on people being rescued from vehicles in multiple Arkansas counties. Credit: Dalton Lee Icenhower via Storyful