Recent Flooding Sparks Memories Of Historic 2019 Floods In Webbers Falls

Webbers Falls residents are keeping an eye on flooding after heavy rainfall this week. Just two years ago, hundreds lost their homes due to historic flooding that hit the city.

Webbers Falls received a lot of rain with this week’s storms, covering some roads with water. Some residents said they got up to five inches of rain yesterday.

“Fields yesterday were covered with water, it looked like a big lake, that happens every year,” Webbers Falls resident Tim O’Grady said.

Seeing high water every time it rains is a normal thing for O’Grady. However, he said it serves as a reminder of the town's historic flooding.

“You can see the mud lines on the houses around here where the river went up,” O’Grady said.

Like many others who live near Commercial Road, O’Grady is surrounded by memories of the past.

“During the flood in 2019, the barge hit that damn, so we were afraid that was going to come down and get washed,” O’Grady said.

In May 2019, flooding forced O’Grady and his wife from their home. They eventually moved into this new home just yards away.

Mayor David Chase said now that severe weather season is here, residents are preparing.

“I’m sure there are folks that are a little anxious, can’t help but be a little anxious, but that’s one of those 100-year deals,” said Mayor Chase.

Mayor Chase said the city sits at a lower elevation compared to the surrounding areas, which means every time it rains, the Arkansas River becomes the center of attention.

“When you live in a river valley, I don’t care which one it is, when the river goes wild, it’s going to get you,” said Mayor Chase.

Mayor Chase said he encourages residents to contact city hall for any flooding issues.