Flooding possible in Northwest Arkansas; Portion of Highway 71 collapsing, police say

The West Fork of the White River flows into Centennial Park Wednesday, oct. 28, 2020 in West Fork. (Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rebecca Wood)
The West Fork of the White River flows into Centennial Park Wednesday, oct. 28, 2020 in West Fork. (Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rebecca Wood)

UPDATE: 5:49 p.m.

A portion of southbound Highway 71 near Woolsey is collapsing, according to a social media post from the West Fork Police Department.

A deputy onsite, the post adds, but caution is urged when approaching the area.

Another post from the department notes that the area is experiencing high water including Riverside Park in West Fork.

The Washington County Sheriff's office also posted street closures. They are:

Parker Branch @ Wyola (Closed)

Black Oak @ Sew & Chip / Bridge East of this Intersection (Closed)

Ball Street bridge - Johnson (Closed)

photo

A vehicle crosses the Woolsey Bridge near West Fork Wednesday Oct 28,2020 as the rain-swollen a White River flows underneath. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/J.T. Wampler)

photo

The West Fork of the White River flows into Centennial Park Wednesday, oct. 28, 2020 in West Fork. (Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rebecca Wood)

EARLIER:

Heavy rainfall through Thursday afternoon may lead to flooding in Northwest Arkansas, forecasters say.

About two inches of rain is expected through Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Some areas could see more than four inches.

The service issued a flood watch for the region through 1 p.m. Thursday.

A high temperature of 56 degrees and a low of 40 was predicted for Fayetteville on Wednesday.

Courtesy photo — National Weather Service
Courtesy photo — National Weather Service

Upcoming Events