The Benton County Sheriff’s office is advising people who live around Little Rock Lake between Rice and St. Cloud to be prepared to evacuate due to rising floodwaters.

Sheriff Brad Bennett says a large ice jam on the nearby Mississippi River, near Gordon’s Bridge, is causing water to back up into Little Rock Lake. The lake normally drains into the river.

As of Thursday morning, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the residents who live in this area.  Benton County Emergency Management opened their Emergency Operations Center at the Watab Town Hall located at 660 75th Street North in Rice.

Volunteers are needed to fill and stack sand bags for residents in the area, and if you need help filling sand bags help is available.  The contact number to call is 320-240-2270.