WESTSIDE -- Rains which started on Saturday morning continued through Monday, dumping close to a foot of water in the area and causing record flooding of area creeks and rivers. As a result, numerous roads were closed, properties flooded and an emergency disaster declaration made by the Benton County judge.
Tornado sirens sounded in the area Saturday afternoon and again in the evening on Saturday as National Weather Service radar detected rotation in the clouds and issued tornado warnings for the Eagle Observer coverage area. No tornado damage was reported but numerous streets and roads were closed due to flooding.
Creeks and streams, some of which are normally dry, were overflowing their banks on Sunday. Flint Creek closed roads in the Springtown and Gentry area, and Spavinaw Creek in the Gravette area. Extensive damage to bridges, culverts and low-lying properties is expected.
To the south, the Illinois River looked more like a turbulent lake than a clear Ozark river. Farms and pastures in the river valley were submerged in the muddied waters.
Local fire departments were out, removing fallen trees, blocking off flooded roads and streets and, in a few cases, rescuing residents trapped by the rising waters. No storm-related fatalities in the area were reported as of Monday.
General News on 12/30/2015