People in Shoals are preparing for another seven feet of water to flood the area before the end of the week.
The East Fork White River is expected to crest at 31.7 feet Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Monday afternoon, it was at 24.8 feet. The flood stage begins at 20 feet in Shoals.
Town Marshal Matthew Copeland with the Shoals Police Department said they haven’t had a flood this major since 2005.
“There's some very busy people in the community right now moving belongings, unhooking plumbing and electrical and trying to get trailers pulled up to where things aren't going to flood,” he said.
Copeland expects about 20 residents will be temporarily displaced by rising waters.
Tim Jones, a Shoals resident, said he’s been clearing out his basement and garage in preparation for the flood. The water shouldn’t get high enough to affect the main floor of his home, which he intends to live in during the flood.
He said the community has dealt with floods, though not usually of this magnitude.
“They’re pretty used to it, you know,” he chuckled. “I mean, yeah, everybody just gets prepared a day or two ahead of time. And, you know, just roll with it. Just about all we can do.”
The National Weather Service predicts the river to return to normal levels next week.
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