UPDATE: Both Red Cross shelters in Fort Smith and Lavaca have been closed.
FORT SMITH (KFSM) — The American Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter in Fort Smith for those displaced by flash flooding.
In Fort Smith, the Red Cross has a temporary shelter available at Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Ave.
In Lavaca, the Red Cross set up a shelter at Lavaca Elementary, 203 Fir St., on the far east side of the complex across from the playground, but closed it a few hours later when those affected were able to find another shelter.
Police are encouraging those who may have concerns about their loved ones to check the shelters first before contacting police, as they are currently responding to a number of areas.
In Fort Smith, those needing to be transported to a shelter can call the Fort Smith Fire Department at (479) 783-4052.
Police are urging citizens to not drive through floodwaters or around any barricades. Doing so can put that person, as well as possible rescuers, at grave risk.