19 Jul Flood Emergency Hits Arkansas After Months of Rain Falls in Hours

On July 17, 2024, Arkansas and parts of Missouri experienced a catastrophic weather event that would go down in history. In a span of just a few hours, communities were deluged with rainfall typically spread over several months. This resulted in dangerous flash flooding that forced evacuations, washed out infrastructure, and left communities grappling with the aftermath.

The National Weather Service is reported to have issued a rare flash flood emergency after 6 to 11 inches of rain fell in just four to five hours over Yellville and surrounding areas in Marion County. This region usually sees only 3.5 to 4 inches of rain for the entire month of July.  The flood in Arkansas is part of a worrying trend. Typically, only around 40 flash flood emergencies are issued annually in the United States, but this year has already seen 48, with the Arkansas flood marking a significant addition to this alarming statistic. The intensity of this rainfall, which would be expected once in 500 years, underscores the growing frequency of such extreme weather events as the planet warms due to fossil fuel pollution. 

The Immediate Impact: Evacuations and Infrastructure Damage

As floodwaters surged, Marion County was thrust into a state of emergency. Approximately 30 homes and a nursing facility were evacuated, with 80 patients transported to temporary shelters. The flood’s force washed out at least one bridge and inundated several roads, prompting the closure of all government offices in the area. Residents were sternly warned to stay off flooded roads for their safety. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel working tirelessly to manage the crisis, at least one water rescue had to be conducted just outside the city limits.

But the rains did not confine themselves to Arkansas alone. Northern Arkansas and southern Missouri also faced the brunt of the deluge. Branson, Missouri, a town of around 14,000 people, experienced a staggering seven inches of rain in less than six hours, a rainfall rate expected only once in 1,000 years. Turkey Creek at Hollister, Missouri, saw its water level rise by an astonishing 12 feet in just two hours.

This widespread inundation resulted in severe disruptions, with roads becoming impassable and communities cut off. The flooding’s swift onset left little time for preparation, making the emergency response efforts all the more challenging. As the morning turned to afternoon, the heavy rain gave way to lingering showers, providing a brief respite and an opportunity for recovery efforts to begin.

Water Rescues and Broader Storm Impact

In addition to the localized impact in Arkansas, the broader weather pattern brought devastation across multiple states. High winds, tornadoes, and severe storms wreaked havoc from the Plains to New England. New Hampshire and upstate New York were particularly hard hit, with storms toppling trees, damaging homes, and causing widespread power outages.

In New Hampshire, falling trees forced residents to evacuate their homes, while in upstate New York, historic buildings suffered significant damage. The iconic First Presbyterian Church and St. Mary’s Church, both built in the 1800s, saw their steeples crumble and roofs torn apart. Tragically, a mural of a Revolutionary War figure was destroyed, leaving only an image of a horse hoof behind.

Storms also led to fatalities in various locations. In Illinois, an older couple drowned when their car became submerged during a flash flood. Similarly, in Rockford, Illinois, a man drowned when a pickup truck became trapped in a creek. In Cedar Lake, Indiana, a woman died after a tree fell on her house during a storm.

The Role of Climate Change 

This extreme weather event serves as a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change. The intensity and frequency of such deluges are increasing, driven by the warming climate. As fossil fuel pollution continues to heat the planet, the atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier and more unpredictable rainfall. Arkansas has already been experiencing the effects of climate change in various ways. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the state has seen an increase in average yearly temperatures, more frequent heat waves, and intense rainfall leading to soil erosion. These changes are not only affecting the environment but also public health, with a rise in insect-borne diseases and heat-related illnesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has noted that the most pressing climate-related concern for Arkansas is the increase in heavy rain events, severe flooding, and storms. These heavy downpours and increasing annual rainfall have catastrophic effects, including:

• Property damage
• Reduced crop yields
• Harm to livestock
• Stormwater and street infrastructure damage

These impacts disrupt entire communities and require significant recovery efforts, as seen with the recent floods.

Arkansas’s agriculture, timber, outdoor tourism, and food production industries, which depend on a stable climate, are particularly vulnerable. The shifting hardiness zones in the state, which have been Reported to have moved north by approximately 175 miles in just 22 years, illustrate the rapid changes farmers must adapt to. This shift affects what crops can be grown and requires substantial changes in farming practices, planting, and harvesting schedules. Additionally, changing temperatures and precipitation patterns have altered the habitat for ticks and other vectors, increasing the risk of diseases like Lyme disease. As temperatures continue to rise, these risks will only grow, posing further threats to public health and wildlife.

Moving Forward: Collective Action and Preparedness

In the wake of this devastating flood, the focus must now shift to recovery and future preparedness. Communities affected by the flood will need substantial support to rebuild. Infrastructure will need to be assessed and strengthened to withstand future extreme weather events.

But beyond immediate recovery, there is a pressing need for broader, systemic changes to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and improving emergency response systems. It also means fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness among residents, ensuring that communities are ready to act swiftly when disaster strikes.

The Arkansas flood is a call to action for everyone. It highlights the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment, urging us to take meaningful steps towards sustainability. As individuals, we can advocate for policies that address climate change, support organizations working on environmental issues, and make sustainable choices in our daily lives.

The floodwaters may have receded, but the urgency to address climate change remains. Let this event be a catalyst for change, driving us to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Join the Movement: Your Role in Climate Action

As we reflect on the devastating flood in Arkansas, it’s crucial to remember that collective action can make a significant difference. Whether through supporting local environmental groups, advocating for climate policies, or reducing your carbon footprint, every action counts. Let this moment inspire you to be part of the solution. Together, we can create a safer, more sustainable world for future generations. Join us in this vital mission to protect our planet.

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