Little Rock, Arkansas — Repeated rounds of heavy rain could push rivers toward flood stage across southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana beginning March 7, raising concerns for low-lying communities ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlook issued February 27 and valid March 7–13, a broad zone shows a 60–70% probability of above-normal precipitation across the South-Central United States.
More concerning, a greater than 60% high-risk area for heavy precipitation from March 7–10 is centered over the Lower Mississippi Valley, placing the Arkansas–Louisiana corridor squarely in a prime flood zone.
Rainfall Totals Could Top 4 Inches
Forecast models indicate weekly rainfall totals may exceed 3 inches, with localized pockets approaching 4 inches. In the highest-risk zone, three-day rainfall amounts could surpass 2 inches, increasing the potential for:
- Flash flooding in urban and rural areas
- Rapid creek and stream rises
- Elevated river levels along major waterways
- Water-covered roads during heavy downpours
Repeated rain bands over already saturated soils could significantly enhance runoff, particularly in Delta regions.
Arkansas Cities on Alert
In Arkansas, communities including Little Rock and Pine Bluff could see rising water levels along the Arkansas and Ouachita rivers…