BLACK RIVER IN BUTLER COUNTY TO BE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING THIS WEEKEND
The Black River in Butler County is one of multiple rivers that will be under a flood warning.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a multi-day heavy rain event is expected to last through Saturday.
As of right now the Black River at Poplar Bluff is forecast to rise to a maximum value of 21.5 feet Saturday evening which is half of a foot above the Major Flood stage.
The Flood warning will be in effect for Black River in Poplar Bluff from late Friday night through Monday morning.
The Black River in Corning is also expected to crest above the major flood stage, reaching 16.5 feet by early Tuesday morning.
In Doniphan, the Current River is expected to crest at 21.5 feet Monday morning, half of a foot below the major flood stage. The Current River in Van Buren is also forecast to crest at 21.5 feet, which is midway between the minor and moderate flood stages for that area.
The St. Francis River at Patterson is expected to crest at the moderate flood stage of 25 feet Saturday evening. At Fisk, the St. Francis River is forecast to crest at the minor flood stage of 20 feet on Sunday.
EF-2 TORNADO REPORTED IN WAYNE AND BOLLINGER COUNTY
An EF-2 tornado started Wednesday night in Wayne County.
According to the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado with estimated peak winds of 125 miles per hour began on TT Highway near McGee at 6:09 pm.
The tornado was on the ground for over 8 miles, crossing over into Bollinger county where an A-frame home was severely damaged and a church lost much of its roof. The tornado also removed the roof from a home.
The tornado did extensive tree damage in both Wayne and Bollinger counties before lifting around Bollinger County Road 618.
SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE TODAY WITH CONTINUING STORM SYSTEM
Severe weather chances continue today with this ongoing storm system.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, most of the region is at risk of severe thunderstorms today.
The greater chance of severe storms will be in the southwest portion of our area, including most of Northeast Arkansas, along with Ripley and Butler County.
Severe storms will be possible this afternoon and tonight. All
severe hazards will be possible and a few strong and long-track tornadoes possible in the area.
NATIONAL GUARD TO ASSIST WITH SANDBAGGING OPERATION TODAY IN BUTLER COUNTY
The Missouri National Guard will be mobilizing today in Poplar Bluff.
According to Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers, the Guard will be assisting with sandbagging operations on the Black River.
Sandbags will also be available today for the public to use. Residents can pick up sandbags at the Farmers Market in Poplar Bluff.
Volunteering information is available on the Bluff Strong Facebook page.
HIGH WATER LEVELS FORCES CLOSURE OF SOME WAPPAPELLO LAKE CAMPGROUNDS
Projected high water levels are forcing the closure of some campgrounds at Wappapello Lake.
Andrew Jefferson with the US Army Corps of Engineers tells KWOC News that the projected crest of Wappapello Lake is 380 feet on April 9th with a peak projected inflow of 73,000 cubic feet per second on April 6th.
Increasing releases will start Monday to reduce downstream impacts as even higher precipitation amounts are expected in the St. Francis Basin below Wappapello Lake. The Corps of engineers expect to reach an outflow of 10,000 cfs on April 10th.
Jefferson added that the Greenville Campground is closed until Monday, April 7th, at which time they will have the information they need to make further closures.
Peoples Creek lower campground was scheduled to be open on Wednesday, April 9th however due to flooding, its opening will be delayed.
The Corps of Engineers open house scheduled for this Saturday has also been postponed.
MOTORISTS REMINDED TO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS
Area residents are being encouraged to have a plan ready in case flooding occurs in your area.
According to the National Weather Service, everybody should have a way to stay informed about the latest weather dangers. You should also learn which roadways are likely to flood in your area and find an alternative route so you can avoid them.
Never drive through fast-moving waters; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a slow-moving vehicle off the roadway. If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
If you live in a flood prone area, it is also smart to have bags packed so you are ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget to have items for your pets as well.
If it looks like it is going to flood in your area, residents are urged to be proactive. Leave before flooding starts to avoid getting stranded.
BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF APP AVAILABLE ON IOS APP STORE
Butler County residents have a new way to stay up to date with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Mark Dobbs has announced that the Butler County MO Sheriff app is now available in the iOS App Store.
Sheriff Dobbs says that the app will provide the community with the latest public safety news and important weather information.
The app also allows residents to connect with the Sheriff’s Office, and submit tips, find out jail information, and find community outreach information.
TWO JUVENILES DETAINED IN CONNECTION TO THREATS IN POPLAR BLUFF
Two juveniles have been detained in connection to an alleged threat in Poplar Bluff.
Poplar Bluff School officials tell KWOC News that they were made aware of a threat circulating on social media late Tuesday evening.
The Poplar Bluff Police Department in concert with the Butler County Juvenile Office investigated the threats. The investigation resulted in two juveniles being detained. Officials say that the juveniles are being charged with making a terroristic threat.
Law enforcement indicated that no further threat exists related to the matter.
School officials are asking parents to take this opportunity to speak with your children about the seriousness of this kind of rhetoric.
PARAGOULD MAN ARRESTED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE
A Paragould man has been taken into custody on a sexual assault charge.
According to a felony affidavit, an investigation was started late last year after the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline received a report in reference to a juvenile who had made disclosures of sexual abuse.
The victim named the potential defendant, 44 year old Clifford Crossfield, as her offender, and stated that the abuse had occurred in June of 2024.
During a mirandized interview this week Crossfield made corroborating statements about the disclosures.
He was arrested on charges of 2nd degree sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was held in the Greene County jail on a $25,000 bond.
