Heavy Rainfall Causes Flooding and Road Damage

Heavy rain caused flooding and damage to roads and bridges across Scott County as well as southern Sebastian County over the weekend.

Highway 80 in Scott County was completely closed down on Sunday, June 23. Also, several streets in the City of Mansfield were also closed due to flooding.

On Sunday afternoon the Mansfield Fire Department responded to a partially downed tree on Highway 378. After removing it, they worked to divert one lane traffic on Highway 71 near Casey’s General Store.

Residents were left to clean up debris and washes to their driveways following the heavy downpours. County crews will be busy assessing the damage and developing a plan of action.

Sebastian County Road Superintendent Jim Carter said, “the county road system faired rather well during the events this weekend. We had a few road closures but all have been opened back up with the exception of Utah Ranch Road in the Lavaca area.”

Scott County Judge James Forbes said parts of Scott County received 11.5 plus inches of rainfall over the weekend. “At one point, Hwy 71 at Packsaddle, Hwy 80 West, and Hwy 28 West had numerous places where water was impeding traffic,” stated Forbes. “There is over 75% damage to county roads, including washed out roadways and bridges. Road crews have been working since Sunday afternoon repairing these areas. We hope to have all areas passable by Friday evening. I would like to thank the folks on Fuller Road for the help on the low water bridge, you did an outstanding job. Your help allowed us to get to other areas quicker. We only had one home that had water damage and a few more that had water close or around them. Thanks for the help and support during this local flood.”