Entergy Arkansas Inc. says flows from Remmel Dam will soon exceed 30,000 cubic feet per second of water, activating its high-flow notifications for the Ouachita River downstream of the dam.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for a dam floodgate release until 1:30 p.m. Friday.
"We anticipate the flows from Remmel Dam to reach about 37,000 CFS, but with minimal additional rainfall expected for our area, we hope to drop flows below 30,000 CFS as soon as possible," the utility said in an email Friday morning.
"We advise lakefront property owners and downstream river users to be aware of the weather and understand that this is a flash flood-prone river valley. Please take the appropriate precautions against flash flooding. This latest rainfall event has most likely caused a substantial amount of debris on the lakes, so we advise boaters to use caution."
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At 10:25 a.m., dam operators reported the spillway gates on Remmel Dam were expected to be opened, "which will result in flash flooding downstream on the Ouachita River" immediately downstream of the dam, the warning stated.
The nearest downstream towns are Jones Mill, Friendship, Midway, and Oak Grove.
"This is a routine high-water event which will result in lowland flooding along the Ouachita River in Hot Spring County," the warning said.
"Initial impacts from Remmel Dam releases will reach the bridge on Interstate 30 near Malvern within 1 to 2 hours, with maximum impacts occurring within the next 2 to 3 hours. Initial impacts will reach Donaldson within the next 3 to 6 hours, with the maximum impacts occurring within the next 6 to 8 hours. Impacts will reach Friendship in about 10 to 12 hours.
"Livestock and property should be moved out of the floodplain. Flooded roadways should be avoided.
This includes the following streams and drainages: Ouachita River, Prairie Bayou, DeLisle Creek, Chatman Creek, Tenmile Creek, Stone Quarry Creek, Blakely Creek, Cove Creek and Tupelo Creek.
"If you are in low-lying areas below the Remmel Dam you should move to higher ground immediately. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."