An Analysis of the Spring 2017 Record Flooding Event in Northern Arkansas

From late April into early May 2017, a number of weather systems, in an extended period of southwest flow, impacted portions of Arkansas as well as adjacent areas of northeast Oklahoma and southern Missouri. Over fifteen inches of rainfall was associated with these systems, the runoff of which overwhelmed area rivers and lakes. Several periods of flash flooding and river flooding were produced, which led to several fatalities and extensive crop loss. Record river levels were reached on the Black River in northeast Arkansas, which paralyzed the town of Pocahontas. An analysis of the atmospheric and hydrologic parameters that promoted the flooding will be presented. Also, the decision support services provided by the National Weather Service will be discussed.