Little Rock, Arkansas – After a powerful storm system rolled through the state late Friday into Saturday, much of Arkansas found itself underwater, prompting widespread road closures and dramatic water rescues. Nearly 50 highways have been shut down due to heavy flooding, with several of them sustaining serious damage, according to officials.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) confirmed that nine of the affected highways were significantly damaged by the surge of floodwaters. The situation became especially dire near Lake Catherine State Park in Garland County, where storm-swollen streams overtook Highway 171, washing out part of the bridge and cutting off access to the park.
Crews from both the Lake Hamilton Fire Department and the Hot Springs Fire Department’s specialized Swiftwater Rescue Team were called to the scene early Saturday morning after a group of residents became stranded in their cabins beyond the damaged bridge.
“About 4:15, we got a call for a rescue, some cabins beyond the bridge, their vehicle washed down the creek, and they could not get out of the house,” Lake Hamilton Fire Chief Doug Davey said. “We attempted to make it – could not – so we called Hot Springs Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team, they came and made it to the people and got them out.”
The fast-moving waters had torn away a section of one lane of the highway just before the bridge, making it impossible for stranded residents to escape by vehicle. The rescue teams worked swiftly to ensure everyone was brought to safety.
Flash floods hit multiple areas across the state following the intense storm, with some regions receiving several inches of rain in just a few hours. The deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and turned roads into rivers, leaving travelers and residents scrambling for higher ground.
Emergency responders have been working around the clock to monitor flooded areas and assist those in danger. While there have been no reports of fatalities, officials are urging caution and asking people to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
“We’re working as quickly as possible to assess and repair the damage,” ARDOT said in a statement. “We expect to be able to patch the damaged road a few hours after the heavy rain left the area.”
As crews begin repair work and the floodwaters start to recede, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Officials warn that some roads may remain closed for an extended period due to structural concerns and cleanup efforts.
In the meantime, Arkansans are being encouraged to check road conditions before heading out and to steer clear of any water-covered roads. Even shallow flooding can pose serious risks, and authorities continue to emphasize the well-known warning: Turn around, don’t drown.
