Miller County Office of Emergency Management

08/30/2020

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

08/28/2020

The Miller County Volunteer Fire Department, along with State, County and City Road Depts. spent most of the day and evening hours cleaning debris from the storm. OEM helped out where we could. Some areas are still being cleaned up today. Thanks to any and all volunteers that took the time to help out. We had about 1400 power outages, with REA and Swepco responding. Most of us are back on line. No injuries were reported. Looks like a couple new systems are headed across the Atlantic, so they may ones to watch. 2020 has been tough, when will we get a break?

08/28/2020

Many of you will be spending today and the weekend cleaning up debris from the storm. A heat advisory has been issued so take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

Rain chances will remain across the region, as hot and humid conditions run amok. A heat advisory will be in effect until 7pm Saturday, as afternoon heat index values will range from 105 to 110 degrees through the weekend.

08/27/2020

County and State road crews are out as well as all of our Volunteer Fire Fighters on the fallen trees. REA and SWEPCO have crews out working to restore the electricity. Over 700 residents in Miller County are out of power at this time. I have not received any damage reports yet. As the wind and rain continues, OEM asks everyone to remain off the roadways unless absolutely necessary, especially after dark. You cant really tell what roads and streets are flooded or blocked by fallen trees until it's too late. #Laura #arwx

08/27/2020

US National Weather Service Little Rock Arkansas

Although Laura is moving eastward, the bands of rain and wind will still impact our SW Arkansas area. To our friends to the north, keep an eye on the radar. #Laura #arwx

Here's an estimated time of arrival for peak wind gusts as #Laura tracks through Arkansas. #arwx

08/27/2020

US National Weather Service Shreveport Louisiana

Please join us for a Facebook Live at Noon for an update on Laura as it moves northward across our area. www.facebook.com/NWSShreveport
#ARwx #LAwx #OKwx #TXwx

08/27/2020

Tropical Storm Laura

OEM is staying up to date and in contact with the NWS in Shreveport. It appears Laura will be moving further east throughout the track today. Wind speeds may still be high and wind damage may result, but not as destructive as first expected. Looking at no more than 30-35mph in Bowie County.

08/27/2020

US National Weather Service Shreveport Louisiana

https://www.facebook.com/NWSShreveport/videos/326562171822312/?vh=e&extid=Qp8BtLun7OLL1oRt

5:45 AM CDT Radar Update: Laura is now well inland and moving north, but retains hurricane strength. Gusty winds up to 80 mph and torrential rainfall moving into portions of Central Louisiana now!

08/27/2020

Not much on an update at this this time, just a couple of graphics on the warnings and possible rain. Expect to have electricity interruptions throughout the next 24-48 hrs. Check on neighbors, friends and family now to make sure they’re secure. Property can always be replaced, a life cannot.

08/26/2020

OEM met with the NWS, Red Cross, area school districts, emergency responders, and road depts as well as 911 dispatch centers. I have prepared a media release on Hurricane Laura. We can expect winds to pick up tonight and be around 20 mph by 7am, increasing to 55 mph in the afternoon and then 68 mph by late evening Thursday. A flash flood is in effect until Friday morning at 7am, but may be extended or upgraded to a watch. We might expect wind gusts to reach 90 mph so trees will topple. The Red Cross advised congregate shelter locations may be available after the storm as passed, they will need to assess some damage and livable conditions. If you are displaced, please call 1-800-REDCROSS so the Red Cross can get an idea of what areas to open. Remember, the COVID pandemic has placed restrictions on shelters. Locally, the LifeHouse Church can open if needed and there are two safe rooms in Texarkana, AR. The City of Fouke may open First Baptist Church. Emergency officials urge people not to wait until the storm arrives, rather to make accommodations now with family and friends for the next couple of days. Please use common sense and prepare now. 1st Responders will be extremely busy for the next 24-48 hrs so don't wait on someone to arrive later when you can prepare now. TASD, Genoa, UAHT have closed or opted for virtual classes. Fouke ISD is unknown at this time. If you have students in these districts, you should or may have received an alert.

08/26/2020

Update: Tropical Storm Warning issued August 26 at 10:21AM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Areas Affected: Miller

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Texarkana

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: early Thursday
morning until Thursday evening

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

08/25/2020

Laura is expected to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico today and then lift north over our area sometime Thursday afternoon into Friday. Specific impacts could be felt as early as Wednesday and will be determined by Laura's track across Louisiana and Arkansas. Slight variations could alter the forecast. As of late, portions of southwest and western Arkansas have been running five to ten inches above average rainfall. Flash flooding will be a concern and even as Laura moves into Arkansas, it is likely to maintain tropical storm strength which means sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Since we've endured heavy rainfall recently, we could see downed trees due to a saturated ground. Make preparations now with access to weather information via NOAA weather radio, weather updates on TV/radio and updated social media posts. Will update again soon.

08/23/2020

OEM will post updates on the tropical weather moving into our region this coming week. There is still a lot of uncertainty on the direction or path the storms will follow. Remember, the eastern most side of the storm is most destructive so watch the predicted path and you’ll have an idea of the possible impact.

08/19/2020

Arkansas Department of Health

It is back-to-school time. Check out this checklist from the CDC to learn more about how to keep your student safe: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/parent-checklist.html #COVID19Ark

08/14/2020

OEM has received many calls and questions regarding how the COVID-19 testing procedure should be approached. Below is a guide that will answer a few questions and help you decide how to be tested. Please follow the link below for more information.

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus

08/14/2020

Although the rain has somewhat cooled off the area, look for heat related issues to continue through the weekend. Next week it'll cool off more. Stay hydrated outdoors and check on your elderly. We may reach 110 degrees heat index on Saturday.

08/14/2020

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is constructing an improvement project that is 6.8 miles of the I-30 corridor through Bowie County, Texas from 0.6 mile west of FM 989 to the Arkansas state line. Phase 1A construction is scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 16, 2020 after 8pm with road work to be done primarily at night.

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/atlanta/i-30-widening-project-4-lane-to-6-lane.html

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/atlanta/i-30-corridor-bowie-county.html

08/14/2020

More rain on the way.

08/12/2020

Nix Creek flooding this morning. The National Weather Service-Shreveport advised OEM this is the 4th all time highest amount of rainfall Texarkana has seen. Remember, stay away from flooded areas. 1st responders, street and road crews may have to respond to emergencies so avoid driving in high water. If you use common sense, we can respond to real emergencies.

08/12/2020

Texarkana received 7.24 inches of rain this morning which flooded many areas on both sides of town. Sterling Crest retirement was hit hard but officials were able to find shelter for those who had to flee their home. The Texarkana Arkansas Police and Texarkana Arkansas Fire conducted several water rescues and evacuated several residents. Many thanks to the Salvation Army, Cornerstone Baptist Church, LifeHouse Church and the Red Cross for coming to our hour of need. I even saw some Miller County Volunteer firefighters out there assisting. Remember the Salvation Army and Red Cross because they depend on your support. Some of these people may have lost everything which will try to be replaced by LifeHouse Church and the Red Cross. They may need donations.

08/07/2020

Miller County Judge Cathy Hardin Harrison

Veterans.. A free drive- thru clinic has been set up for you at the VA Clinic on Realtor Ave from 8AM -12PM tomorrow, Saturday, August 8! If you think you need to be tested you should take advantage of this opportunity.

08/05/2020

08/05/2020

Arkansas Department of Education

¡En ADE estamos muy emocionados de anunciar la apertura del Ready for School Resource Call Center! El objetivo de este centro de información telefónica es brindar información y recursos sobre la reapertura de las escuelas en Arkansas. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?Id=4496 Sitio web en inglés. #Ready4Learning #ARStudentFocused #TeachArkansas

07/24/2020

FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested.
For an updated Methanol contaminated products list visit:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol

07/13/2020

FREE COVID -19 testing on Thursday, July 16th at Four States Fairgrounds.

07/12/2020

Take all precautions to stay cool; stay indoors, wear light clothing, drink plenty of liquids. Most importantly, check on your elderly friends and neighbors.

The heat continues tomorrow with an Excessive Heat Warning and a Heat Advisory in effect. #BeattheHeat #ChecktheBackSeat #LockBeforeYouLock #Hydrate

07/02/2020

Heat is one of the leading weather related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat related illnesses. This week and next, we are experiencing the hottest days of the year so far. Take a few precautions to protect yourself and family.

07/02/2020

Update: Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 5:55AM CDT until July 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

Areas Affected: Columbia; Sevier; Hempstead; McCurtain; Bowie; Little River; Lincoln; Red River; Union; Howard; Nevada; Lafayette; Cass; Ouachita; Miller.

* WHAT...Heat index values will range from 105 to 109 in all four state area.* WHERE...For southeast Oklahoma, all of southern Arkansas, allof northern Louisiana and for northeast and deep east Texas.* WHEN...This heat advisory continues through 7 PM this evening.* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur to those exposed to these oppressive conditions.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay outof the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Youngchildren and pets should never be left unattended in vehiclesunder any circumstances.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Whenpossible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning orevening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing whenpossible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequentrest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyoneovercome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

06/30/2020

OEM wishes to acknowledge all the search and rescue teams from Miller County, Little River Co, AGFC, Texas Fish and Wildlife and private citizens who spent many hours searching over the two days. The victim from this tragic boating accident was recovered from the Red River at 6:30pm yesterday. We offer our sincere condolences to the family. A special thanks to Mr. Thomas Whitehead who located the victim. We appreciate his dedication.

06/29/2020

On Sunday June 28th Miller County Sheriffs Deputies, OEM, MCVFD and AGFC responded to a missing boater at the Hwy 71 Index bridge to the Red River. One person in the boat was able to swim to shore after the boat took on water. A search began for the other boater and boat. Little River OEM and Texas Fish and Game assisted using sonar to scan the river. The search was suspended due to darkness but will resume Monday once the weather clears.

06/24/2020

Arkansas officials warn against Fourth of July gatherings; state logs 595 new virus cases

Miller County, it’s time to start paying attention! The number of COVID-19 cases have increased to a number unexpected by health officials. Right now, the very best action you can take is to AVOID large public gatherings and keep a distance from others.

https://katv.com/news/local/595-new-covid-19-cases-in-arkansas-officials-warn-against-july-4-gatherings

As people across the country plan their Fourth of July celebrations, Arkansas residents are among many in the U. S. watching COVID-19 cases rise. State officials on Tuesday reported 595 new cases of the virus and 10 new deaths. Gov. Asa Hutchinson responded in a news conference to recent statistical...

06/22/2020

Miller County Judge Cathy Harrison has closed the Miller County Courthouse due to the number of county employees who were exposed to COVID-19 last week. It is necessary to close the courthouse for the remainder of the week to establish a disinfection of every office and public access.

06/22/2020

More rain on the way. Possible flooding in low lying areas.

06/15/2020

Coronavirus updates: 406 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas, over 12,500 total

Coronavirus updates: 406 new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas, over 12,500 total

There are 406 new COVID-19 cases in the state within the last 24 hours, totaling 12,501 total positive coronavirus cases in Arkansas.

06/10/2020

Update: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 9 at 9:15PM CDT until June 9 at 9:30PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA
Areas Affected: Little River, AR; Miller, AR; Bowie, TX
At 915 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Mandeville, or
near Texarkana, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to
roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Texarkana, Garland, Mandeville, Genoa, Hervey and Homan.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.