(KFSM) — Residents who live on Clear Creek Rd. in Crawford County are being notified that the Van Buren levee, near the Yoestown Bottoms, could possibly break.
Alisha Flaherty and her family packed up a car in case they need to evacuate.
“Very nervous for my kids. Make sure they stay safe and I know he’ll make sure they stay safe but water is scary anyways but especially to know it could all flood. Losing this would be terrible," Flaherty said.
Arkansas Emergency Management officials say the levee, made out of organic material, is softer that preferred due to extreme pressure.
Brad Thomas from Crawford County Emergency Management says there has not been a break, but they are watching the levee very carefully and residents should be prepared just in case.
“It can overtop at 45ft. That’s not an issue. The height of the river is not an issue at all. It’s just there’s so much water for such a long period of time. That’s where the concern is," Thomas said.
Steps have been taken to reinforce that part of the levee and it is being closely monitored 24 hours a day.
"We have a pretty good idea from the Core, they let us know, kind of what would happen if it happened. Bad news for the farmers, it’s not good for the bottomland but as far as residents, it’s not going to affect that many residents," Thomas said.
In a press release, Van Buren Police said that due to constant heavy water flow and other flood factors, there is a portion of the levee near the Yoestown Bottoms is showing signs of significant leakage and deterioration. Officials have taken measures to reinforce a concerning part of the levee.
VBPD say in the event of a levee breach or increased risk of flooding, they will notify residents and businesses by an automated phone call.
Crawford County Emergency Managers will notify you if you need to evacuate your neighborhood.
Click here to read the full press release from VBPD.