Flood waters fill the Town Branch Trail tunnel underpass at South School Avenue in late December 2015 during a series of severe storms that dumped over 8 inches of rain in Fayetteville.
Photo courtesy of Adam Putman
The ground is soaked, drainage areas are already full, and a lot more rain is in the forecast for this weekend.
All of that adds up to a pretty significant flood risk in Fayetteville over the next few days.
City officials are urging residents to be ready for conditions similar to those we experienced in 2011 and 2015, when Fayetteville experienced floods that were at the time expected to be once-in-a-century events.
Below are some tips for staying safe this weekend.
Take Action
Some flooding in the region is caused by clogged drains. City officials are asking people to assess and take action.
Take precautions now to remove any debris on your property or right-of-way that could potentially clog drainage or be swept into nearby streams, causing additional flooding.
Clear drainage ways or streams (now and in the future) of any yard debris, tree limbs, composting, etc. Leaves and grass clippings should never be disposed of in driveways, culverts, or streets because stormwater pushes the debris into drainage paths – blocking drainage paths, which can increase the possibility of flooding.
Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure stormwater can travel away from buildings.
Be Safe
Do not walk, bike, or drive through flooded areas. Depths can be deceiving. Just six inches of water can flood a car or knock a person off their feet and carry them downstream. Twelve inches of water can move a vehicle. “Turn around – don’t drown!”
On Wednesday, April 26, the following roads were closed at various times due to flooding:
- Deane Solomon Road – from Shiloh Drive to Highway 112
- Gregg Avenue – from Van Asche Boulevard to Johnson city limits
- Azalea Terrace – from Country Way to Magnolia Drive
- Frisco Avenue – from Prospect Street to Gregg Avenue
- South Garland Avenue – from 15th Street to Cato Springs Road
- 15th Street – from Ellis to Van Buren Avenue to Dunn Avenue / Ellis Avenue
- Huntsville Road – from Combs Avenue to Mill Avenue
- Dead Horse Mountain Road – from Highway 16 to Goff Farm Road
- Norman Murphy Road – from Baldwin Avenue to Mally Wagnon Road
Many of the city’s trails travel next to creeks and streams. Water can rise quickly, potentially flooding the trail in front of or behind you. Trails should be avoiding during flash flood weather events.
Who to notify and when
Clogged drainage ways within city limits: Fayetteville Transportation Department 479-575-8228 (Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m.; call Dispatch after hours.)
Non-emergency situations that could be of potential risk: Fayetteville Police Department’s Central Dispatch Center 479-575-3555 (option 1)
Emergency: 911
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds people to be alert before, during, and after a flood event. To learn more about flood safety, please visit this website: www.ready.gov/floods
