Repair and clean-up of debris from yesterday evening’s mud slide on State Highway 5 North in the Three Brothers area is continuing, and some Baxter County Roads remain closed or partially closed due to flooding.

     Deputies report that only one (1) lane of State Highway 5 North in Three Brothers is currently open to traffic, with repair crews from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department continuing to repair damage and clean up debris from the mud slide yesterday evening that had completely closed the highway for a period of time.  Motorists should use caution and be prepared to stop for traffic control personnel when traveling State Highway 5 in that area.

     The following Baxter County Roads or portions of those roads were closed and may still be closed and impassable at some points due to flooding:

     Baxter CR 71 (Shipps Rd)
     Baxter CR 108 (Martin Springs Rd)
     Baxter CR 106
     Shipps Ferry Rd
     Buzz Saw Trail
     Stone Creek Way
     Melton Dr
     Baxter CR 63
     Baxter CR 16
     Baxter CR 806
     Baxter CR 27

     The Sheriff’s Office launched its helicopter today to conduct a more detailed observation of flooded areas, particular in the Norfork – White River area, and will continue to monitor the situation with respect to flooding, with more rain in the forecast for tonight and Wednesday.  Baxter County Judge Joe Bodenhamer yesterday declared Baxter County a disaster area.

     Motorists are urged to use caution and comply with signing for closed roadways and vehicle barricades.   Swiftly moving water across low water bridges is often deeper than it appears visually and can constitute a significant danger to motorists.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff