Heavy rains brought flooding to Marion County, with crews working tirelessly to restore washed-out roads. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple storm warnings, including tornado warnings in Baxter, Fulton, and Izard Counties, highlighting the intensity of the weather event. Marion County Judge Jason Stumph reported that his crews were out with heavy machinery, including six graders, four dump trucks, and two backhoes, to address the damage caused by the floods. The rain was particularly heavy in the Bruno area, with 0.8 inches falling in just 30 minutes at KTLO, Classic Hits, and The Boot in Mountain Home. This led to multiple tornado warnings being issued from the Henderson Area east to Salem and South through Oxford and Horseshoe Bend, though no major damage was reported as of Sunday morning.
The flooding was severe, with radar estimates showing over 4.5 inches of rain in Marion County south of Yellville. The Harmon Fire Department, along with the Harrison Fire Department, responded to a vehicle in Crooked Creek near Harmon, where the two occupants were safely extracted. Photos on social media showed flooding at Kings Branch along Hwy 125 in Southwest Marion County, with portions of the highway washed away. Kelly Crossing on Crooked Creek saw a dramatic increase in water level, nearly doubling from 11.0 feet to 19.5 feet by early Sunday. Similarly, the Buffalo River near the bridge on Highway 14 South in Harriet rose from 4.6 feet to 9.6 feet during the same period.
The NWS reported flooding near Eros, and the public was encouraged to submit photos of storm damage or flooding to news@ktlo.com. Dryer and cooler conditions are forecasted for the beginning of the week, with highs reaching near 90 degrees by midweek and rain chances moving into the area by Thursday. This event highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and response efforts.
