FloodZoneMap.org

Flash Flood — Van Buren, 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 198727). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Van Buren, AR

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

View Van Buren County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flood$1.5M damage

Van Buren, 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$175K damage

Van Buren, AR · May 31, 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 →
Flood$600K damage

Van Buren, AR · Apr 26, 2011

From the 24th through the 27th, the arrival of a slow-moving cold front and several low pressure areas aloft triggered several rounds of thunderstorms. Tornadoes, severe storms, and flash flooding resulted. Widespread areal flooding followed the flash flooding.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$80K damage

Van Buren, AR · Jan 12, 2013

The arrival of a cold front triggered numerous showers and thunderstorms from the afternoon of the 12th through the morning of the 13th. The front stalled for awhile, causing heavy rain to develop near the front.

Read the full account →