Heavy rains could bring flooding in Fort Smith Monday

Heavy rain is expected in Fort Smith and the River Valley Monday, with up to 5 inches possible in places, the National Weather Service reported.

There was a 100% chance of rainfall Monday afternoon.

"Fort Smith is expecting significant rainfall during the late morning, afternoon and into tomorrow," reports police spokesman Aric Mitchell. "This rainfall could likely create flooding situations in multiple areas within our city."

Motorists should remember to avoid driving into high water or driving around any barricades placed in flooded areas.

The National Weather Service reported widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas Monday. High winds in the storms could create wind shears, the weather service reported. Isolated, strong to severe thunderstorms are possible.

Thunderstorms in some places could produce up to 5 inches of rain, the weather service reports.

There was a 100% chance for rain Monday night and a 60% chance for rain Tuesday.

A cold front will drop temperatures through the rest of the week.

Wednesday will be sunny with temperatures in the upper 60s.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Fort Smith weather: Heavy rain causes flooding concerns Monday