Flash flooding in Fort Smith killed at least one person when fast-moving water washed a 47-year-old woman’s car off the road, police said on Saturday morning.
Debra Stevens, of Fort Smith, appeared to be delivering newspapers in her car near the 5800 block of Kinkead Avenue when swift floodwaters pushed her vehicle off the road and trapped her inside, according to a news release by the Fort Smith Police Department.
The release didn’t indicate when Stevens’ car became swept up, though police said investigators were still at the scene at 7 a.m.
Police responded to multiple areas of Fort Smith experiencing flash flooding Saturday.
Some residents have been forced to leave their homes due to the flooding.
The fire department helped displaced residents take shelter at Grand Avenue Baptist Church.
Though the heaviest rain has moved out of the area, a flood warning has been issued until 11:30 p.m. for northern Sebastian County by the National Weather Service.
Runoff from the morning's rain will lead to ongoing flooding as light rain continues throughout the day, according to the service.
Residents are advised to avoid driving in flooded areas or around barricades, according to the police department.
NW News on 08/25/2019