South Sulphur River sees more high water

With rain predicted in the Hopkins County forecast, flooding is likely, according to the National Weather Service.

Flooding changed from minor to moderate severity and increased in duration for the South Sulphur River near Cooper, affecting both Hopkins and Delta counties, according to the NWS.

As of Monday at 10:15 a.m., the water gauge was at 18.8 feet and the flood stage is 16.0 feet, NWS stated. The river is expected to rise to a crest of approximately 20 feet Monday afternoon, affecting rural roads in both counties and flooding farm and ranch land in the immediate vicinity, NWS officials said.

Hopkins County is under a flood warning until 6:34 a.m. Tuesday morning, NWS stated. A few strong and potentially severe storms are possible on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, according to NWS, with rainfall chances as high as 80%. With heavy rainfall, flooding is possible, NWS states.

The South Sulphur River was last under a flood warning Feb. 12, a little more than a month ago. Since the start of 2020, SH 71 and its bridge at the Hopkins-Delta County line where flooding occurs has been closed approximately 30.5 days, according to observational data and 911 call logs.