FloodZoneMap.org

Flash Flood — Polk, AR

Oct 29, 2009

A large storm system in the Rockies headed through the Plains into the upper Midwest on the 29th. Rain increased ahead of the system, and became widespread in Arkansas. Meanwhile, a cold front arrived from the west. Because the system was so far to the north, it did not give the front much push. The front slowed down, which prolonged the rain. The result was widespread flash flooding, which gave way to areal flooding and river flooding. Winds changed direction and speed up through the atmosphere

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 196400). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Polk, AR

This event is one of many recorded floods in Polk County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View Polk County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flash Flood$1.8M damage

Polk, AR · May 30, 2013

The approach of low pressure aloft triggered numerous thunderstorms from the 30th into the early morning hours of the 31st. Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash flooding occurred. The flooding killed six people, and the tornadoes killed one.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$400K damage

Polk, AR · Jul 9, 2014

A cold front moved into Arkansas on the 8th, setting off some thunderstorms in northern Arkansas. These storms sagged into the middle of the state during the evening along with the front.

Read the full account →
Flood$500K damage

Polk, AR · May 1, 2011

Areal flooding was widespread in Arkansas, beginning early in May. The flooding was caused by large amounts of rain on April 30th, and May 1st and 2nd; high water flowing down from Missouri; and backwater flooding from rivers and large creeks and bayous.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$300K damage

Polk, AR · Nov 21, 2011

A nearly stationary front across the middle of Arkansas served as a focus for heavy rain, flooding, and some severe weather. One round of thunderstorms affected the central part of the state from the night of the 20th into the morning of the 21st.

Read the full account →