Joplin, Missouri – Drivers across the Missouri-Oklahoma-Arkansas tri-state could encounter rapidly flooding roads within the next several hours as slow-moving thunderstorms redevelop over the Ozarks.
According to the National Weather Service, a marginal risk of flash flooding remains in effect through Wednesday night for southwest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Storms may drop 1 to 3 inches of rain in a short time, especially where repeated cells move over the same counties.
Communities including Joplin, Miami, Bentonville and Fort Smith face the greatest concern for rapid runoff. Low-water crossings and rural roads are particularly vulnerable, along with stretches of Interstate 44 in Missouri and Interstate 49 running from Joplin south through northwest Arkansas. Smaller creeks and tributaries feeding the Spring, Neosho and Arkansas rivers could rise quickly if heavier bands stall during peak travel hours.
Motorists should avoid flooded roadways, slow down during intense rainfall and never attempt to cross water-covered bridges. Just 6 to 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Additional advisories or localized flood warnings may be issued if storms continue training across the Missouri-Oklahoma-Arkansas border region through Wednesday night.
