Many roads and bridges in Benton County are flooded and impassable after last night's heavy rain, according to a news release from the county. Benton County Judge Bob Clinard declared a disaster Thursday morning.
Robert McGowen, Benton County's emergency management director, urged motorists to be wary of driving through any water, noting that flooding is the No. 1 cause of death related to thunderstorms. The full extent of damage won't be known for several days, according to the news release.
McGowen said in a separate news release that there had been 15 water rescues with no reports of injury.
The manager of Bentonville's Street Department said flooding there is the worst he's seen in the last three years. At least 11 streets were closed due to flooding, with six remaining closed as of 9 a.m.
"We set a record this morning," said Tony Davis, street manager. "This the highest number I've seen. The last big rain, we had 10 closed."
Bentonville's parks and trails were hit hard by flooding. Parks and Recreation Director David Wright said water levels are as high as any storm he has seen in recent years.
All the trail tunnels are flooded, and water was flowing over the dam at Lake Bella Vista. A wooden bridge on Slaughter Pen Trail washed out along the North Bentonville Trail, he said.
Parks workers are out assessing damage and will have trails and parks back open as soon as possible, Wright said.
In Springdale, the 56th Street bridge over Spring Creek is closed because of flood damage.
Closings:
- Benton County Roads
- Benton County 40 at Spanker Creek
- Spanker Rd off of Benton County 40
- Gooseberry Rd
- Easterling Rd
- Gates Lane
- Lucas lane
- Slate Gap
- Gann Ridge
- Bill Billings
- spanish Treasure Cave
- Rocky Dell hollow
- Shrader Rd
- N Old Wire Rd
- Sugar Creek Rd
- Ford Springs Rd
- Roland David Rd
- Limekiln Rd
- Butler Creek
- Andy Jack
- Wilson Rd
- Wann Rd
- Pinto Lane
- Minch Springs
- Benton County Bridges
- Corinth Rd
- Snavely Rd
- Stagecoach Rd
- Fruitwood
- Mt. Olive
- Honey Creek
- Mt. Zion
- Hog Farm Rd
- So. Rainbow Rd
- Robinson Rd
- Gordon Hollow Rd
- Bentonville
- Battlefield Road from Paradise Road to East Central Avenue
- Southwest D Street from 18th Street to 24th Street
- The bridge at Memorial Park off Moberly Lane
- Price Coffee Road from J Street to Arkansas 72
- Southwest Rainbow Farm Road
- The intersection at Almand Street and Timber Trails