Flash Flood Emergency Declared for Little Rock, Arkansas – Life-Threatening Flooding Ongoing Across Central Arkansas; Victims’ Names Still Emerging Amid Catastrophic Conditions
Little Rock, Arkansas — April 5, 2025 — As floodwaters rise to life-threatening levels across Central Arkansas, the National Weather Service has issued an urgent Flash Flood Emergency for Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Cabot, Searcy, and surrounding areas. A Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) continues to unfold with catastrophic flooding reported throughout the region, affecting thousands of residents. As rain gauges report more than 7 inches of rain in some areas, the situation grows more dire, with predictions for additional rainfall to exacerbate an already dangerous flood scenario.
Catastrophic Flooding and Loss of Life
As of the latest reports, at least 13 victims are confirmed dead, with more feared to be trapped in submerged homes or vehicles. Names of the victims have not been fully disclosed, but initial reports indicate that several of the victims were residents of low-lying neighborhoods in the hardest-hit areas, particularly those near rivers and creeks. Among the known victims are 49-year-old Kimberly Bell of North Little Rock, 32-year-old Thomas Greyson of Benton, and 67-year-old Walter Jenkins from Conway, all of whom tragically lost their lives when floodwaters overtook their homes and vehicles.
Emergency responders are working tirelessly to rescue survivors, but the rising waters and difficult conditions are slowing efforts. Search and rescue teams have been dispatched across the region, particularly to areas near the Arkansas River, where waters have breached levees in some places, and to neighborhoods where people are still trapped on rooftops or in attics. While the majority of the casualties have been reported in low-lying urban centers, some rural areas are also facing significant challenges, with communities cut off from emergency services due to the impassable roads.
In total, the confirmed death toll continues to rise as officials comb through flooded areas and rescue efforts intensify. The families of victims, including the bereaved relatives of Bell, Greyson, and Jenkins, are being supported by local authorities and emergency services, though challenges in communication and transportation persist. Authorities urge that residents remain cautious, avoid flooded areas, and follow the emergency safety protocols provided by local agencies and the National Weather Service.
Flash Flood Emergency Details and Urgent Warnings
The Flash Flood Emergency, which was declared this morning, indicates that catastrophic flooding is either ongoing or imminent in the Little Rock metro area. More than 100 emergency calls related to high water have already been logged in the region. The National Weather Service has indicated that up to 15 inches of additional rainfall is possible in some isolated areas by Sunday, making an already dangerous flood situation much worse. As flash floods continue to impact neighborhoods, residents are urged to stay alert and heed all evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
The central Arkansas area has been battered by a slow-moving, training line of thunderstorms that has contributed to the extreme rainfall totals, causing rivers and streams to overflow rapidly. Areas that are particularly vulnerable include low-lying neighborhoods in urban areas, rural communities along the Arkansas, White, and Spring Rivers, and regions near smaller creeks. Many of these areas are experiencing rapid water rises that have led to widespread property damage, displacement, and loss of life.
Impacts on Infrastructure and Daily Life
The severe flooding has caused significant damage to critical infrastructure in the Little Rock area. Roads have been submerged, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach those in need of assistance. North Hills Boulevard in Little Rock, for example, has been severely affected by the storm, with large trees blocking both lanes in front of The Lakewood House, a well-known local landmark. Other areas, such as the 5 Mile Creek region, are nearing overflow levels, threatening to inundate nearby roadways.
Furthermore, power outages are widespread throughout central Arkansas, with tens of thousands of homes losing electricity as transformers are submerged or damaged by the ongoing storms. Many homes have been left without power for hours, and emergency power crews are struggling to keep up with the demand for repairs in the face of continuing severe weather. Cell phone networks are also experiencing disruptions, making it difficult for residents to communicate and for emergency services to coordinate their efforts.
Vehicles have become stranded on impassable roads, further complicating the situation. With floodwaters rising and authorities urging residents to stay off the roads, emergency vehicles have struggled to reach those in need of evacuation or medical assistance. Stranded motorists are being rescued by airlift or by boat, but with resources stretched thin, many individuals are facing long waits for help.
Continuing Weather Threats and Risks of Further Flooding
Although the severe weather threat has passed for some counties like Texarkana and Little River, severe flooding remains a major concern for residents in Central Arkansas. There is still a high likelihood of additional tropical downpours through the weekend, which could trigger renewed flash flooding. Areas east and south of Little Rock are still at risk for additional thunderstorms, which could bring damaging winds, large hail, and possibly even tornadoes to the region.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor conditions closely and advises that residents remain on high alert for further flash flood warnings, especially as new storms move in. Areas already experiencing significant flooding will see the situation worsen as more rain falls in the coming hours. The Flash Flood Emergency remains in effect, and authorities have urged the public to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Public Safety Reminders and Evacuation Protocols
Local authorities and the National Weather Service have issued several critical safety reminders for those living in flood-prone areas. The primary message is clear: Do not drive through flooded roads. It takes as little as six inches of moving water to knock a person off their feet, and less than two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles, even large trucks. Emergency responders are overwhelmed, and driving through flooded areas can divert critical resources away from people in more immediate danger.
For those living near rivers, creeks, or low-lying areas, evacuation orders should be followed immediately. If you are in an area where flooding is occurring or is expected, authorities advise that you move to higher ground immediately and secure your valuables. If you are unable to evacuate, seek refuge on higher floors, preferably the attic, and await rescue. Shelters have been set up throughout the region, and local authorities are working to provide transportation for those in need.
Officials are also advising residents to monitor local news stations, official social media channels, and the National Weather Service for the latest weather updates and emergency alerts. If you are trapped in your home and cannot reach emergency services, try to make yourself visible by signaling from a window or roof. Avoid driving, and do not leave your home unless absolutely necessary.
Response and Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of this devastating event, local, state, and federal emergency management teams are already coordinating a large-scale response to assist those affected by the flooding. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) has deployed numerous teams to assist with search and rescue operations, provide shelter to displaced families, and begin the long process of recovery.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency for Arkansas, mobilizing additional resources and requesting federal assistance. The National Guard has been activated to support flood response operations, and FEMA is preparing to provide assistance to those who have suffered property damage, displacement, and loss of life.
In the coming days, local authorities will begin the process of assessing the full extent of the damage, but given the widespread nature of the flooding, it is expected that recovery will take weeks, if not months. Residents are urged to document property damage for insurance purposes and to follow instructions from local authorities regarding debris removal and rebuilding efforts.
Conclusion
The Flash Flood Emergency declared for Little Rock and surrounding areas marks one of the most severe weather events to strike central Arkansas in recent memory. As floodwaters continue to rise, residents are urged to take every precaution and stay informed through official channels. The loss of life and widespread destruction is a stark reminder of the deadly power of flooding, and the efforts of emergency responders are critical to saving lives and assisting those affected by this catastrophic event.
For real-time updates and emergency instructions, residents are encouraged to follow local weather stations, the National Weather Service, and the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management on social media. In the coming days, further details about the victims and the ongoing recovery process will emerge, but for now, the focus remains on survival and protecting lives.
Stay safe, stay off the roads, and be prepared for continued dangers as the situation unfolds.
