Local Officials Ramping-Up Flood Preparations [AUDIO]

UNDATED -- With warmer temperatures in the forecast, local emergency management officials are ramping-up their preparation for the potential flooding.

Benton County Emergency Management Director Jim McDermott says they'll start taking regular measurements of the Mississippi River this week.

McDermott says the river is a gauge of what will happen on Little Rock Lake, since water from the river flows into the lake.  He says, as of last week, the river was still 2 1/2 feet below "action stage".   But that could change quickly.

Forecasters are predicting an 85% chance that the Mississippi River will go above flood stage.

McDermott says, if you live in an area that's prone to flooding, you should start lining-up your volunteers now, and also order your sand and sandbags.

Resources
WJON.com Spring Flood 2011 Page