Swift Action Required as Memphis Rivers Threaten to Flood
As we approach the weekend, the weather forecast for the Memphis area looks increasingly grim, with severe storms, heavy downpours, and widespread flooding anticipated. The Wolf River, Cumberland River, and White River are on the brink of hitting flood stage, leading to urgent warnings for nearby communities.
This week, storms across the Memphis area have already led to significant flooding after dropping between one and two inches of rain. The upcoming weather front is expected to bring an additional six to eight inches of rainfall through Saturday night, according to ABC24 Weather Impact Meteorologists.
Consequently, a flood warning has been issued for several rivers throughout the Mid-South, including the Wolf River, Cumberland River, and White River. The town of Arlington, located at the Loosahatchie River, had the most prolonged flood warning as of Friday morning, set to expire on Monday afternoon.
Memphis is also predicted to experience minor flooding from the Mississippi River due to heavy rains in the area and further north. The river is forecast to crest at 35.5 feet by April 15, according to National Weather Service data. Meteorologists have now compiled a list of the communities and rivers expected to experience the most severe flooding throughout the Memphis region.
Areas with Major Flood Risks
Communities in Arkansas along the White River west of Memphis, including Newport, Augusta, Georgetown, Des Arc, and Clarendon, are facing a major flood warning. The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Saturday morning and continue rising before peaking at 38 feet Wednesday afternoon.
The community of Osceola, Arkansas, is also forecast to experience significant flooding from the Mississippi River. River levels in Osceola are expected to reach the minor flood stage of 28 feet by Tuesday, and may continue to rise until it hits the major flood stage of 35 feet by April 14.
Wolf River at Moderate Flood Stage in Memphis
The Wolf River at Raleigh crested just below the major flood stage on Thursday night at 14.68 feet. The Loosahatchie River at Arlington also came just short of hitting the major flood stage of 24 feet early Friday morning. It is predicted to remain within the moderate flood stage of above 22 feet through Monday.
Communities to the south, such as Sarah, Mississippi, near the Coldwater River, have been issued a flood warning as the river may reach a record-high flood stage of 25 feet on Sunday. The Forked Deer River is also causing moderate flooding in Halls, Tennessee.
Minor Flood Risks in the Memphis Area
Several communities throughout the Mid-South are either already experiencing or are likely to experience minor flooding in the coming days. These include Germantown, Tennessee, at the Wolf River; Brunswick, Tennessee, at the Loosahatchie River; and Collierville, Tennessee, at the Wolf River, among others.
Residents of these areas are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts, heed local advisories, and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and lives. During this challenging period, the ABC24 app can provide vital information to keep the community informed and prepared.