As Water Continues to Rise Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

The National Weather Service says that Arkansas will continue to see rain through Tuesday, May 3; with the largest rainfall amounts stretching across southwest Arkansas through the central part of the state up to northeastern Arkansas. They say that with this band, most areas will receive two-five inches, and some places could see seven to eight inches of rain.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) urges people to learn the dangers of driving into flooded roadways because drivers often underestimate the power of floodwater. Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle.

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• 12 inches of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles including pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV).
• Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge.
• Because disaster can strike at any time, ADEM encourages everyone to have a disaster supply kit in their home and vehicle.

When there’s water on the road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Saving your life is as simple as choosing an alternate route. If you are driving and your vehicle stalls in flood water, the best advice is to get out quickly and move to higher ground.

The ADEM is the state's homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.