Following severe storms and historic flooding that swept through the tri-county area April 5 and 6 it is no surprise the damage was so widespread.
One of the pavilions at Loberg Park in Hardy, April 5.
According to Eric Green with the National Weather Service, some areas received as much as a foot of rain.
“Obviously Sharp County was one of the bullseye areas for the rain we saw over the last three to four days. Near Evening Shade received 12 inches of rain and surrounding areas received seven to 10 inches,” Green said. “For a three-day total, it led to catastrophic flooding. Flash flooding and major river flooding.”
He explained that the tri-county area received the equivalent of three to four months worth of rain in a short timeframe.
Flooding near Hardy City Hall April 5, 2025
Green said Salem in Fulton County registered 8.64 inches of rain; in Izard County Calico Rock registered 9.8 inches and Sage 7.8 inches of rain; in Lawrence County Smithville registered 7 inches of rain and Alicia 8.15 inches.
A vehicle became trapped in flood waters near Town Center in Cherokee Village April 5.
According to the United States Geological Survey, at their peaks, the Black River at Black Rock crested at 29.74 at 10:45 a.m. on April 6; the Spring River at Hardy rose to 22.81 feet cresting in the early morning hours April 5 at 4:45 a.m. but rose higher further down river reaching as high as 29 feet; the Strawberry River at Poughkeepsie reached 25.59 feet at cresting at 10:30 p.m. April 6; the White River at Batesville crested at 24.23 feet April 6 at 2:45 a.m. and the Southfork River at Saddle crested at 23.04 at 7:45 a.m. April 5.
As flood waters receded April 6, widespread devastation was revealed. Pictured here is a cabin washed into Loberg Park in Hardy.
Recovery and cleanup efforts began Sunday April 6 as flood waters receded revealing massive devastation.
In Mammoth Spring, a train bridge collapsed due to the flooding, countless homes have been lost along all of the rivers and along some creeks that rose to record highs.
The National Guard posted up in Hardy April 6 preparing to aid in cleanup efforts.
In addition to local law enforcement, fire departments, offices of emergency management, and ambulance crews, the National Guard, Nebraska Urban Search and Rescue, State Police, Arkansas Task Force 1, Red Cross and FEMA were in the area to assist and assess damage.
Damaged roadways like this at the Spring Street Bridge in Hardy can be found all throughout the tri-county area.
President Donald Trump approved the disaster federal funds request in place by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to aid with tornado and flood damage.
Sanders traveled to Hardy to survey damage and meet with local officials April 7.
Authorities in all affected counties are warning residents to be cautious while traveling as there are many roadways that sustained damage, leaving some impassible. Sharp, Izard and Fulton Counties each issued statements with regards to road conditions and asked for the public’s patience.
boil water orders are in place for multiple communities, check with your local city hall or water department for status updates.
Below are some links that may be helpful to those impacted by the storms and flooding.
A Special thank you to all those who have stepped up both leading up to, during and after the recent flurry of recent natural disasters. From the tornadoes on March 14, to the wildfires March 19, massive hail and storms March 30 to the flooding April 5. Your dedication and service is appreciated.
