Deadly Flash Flooding Hits Southwest Oklahoma and Northern Texas
LAWTON, Okla. – Torrential rain swept across portions of southwest Oklahoma and northern Texas during the end of the workweek and into the start of the weekend, triggering deadly flash flooding.
The Impact of the Floods
According to police in Lawton, Oklahoma, a person was killed when their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Police said first responders were unable to safely get to the submerged vehicle.
The Lawton Police Department Dive Team arrived and was able to get the victim out of the vehicle.
Unsettled Weather Pattern
The unsettled weather pattern, which began dumping heavy rain on the region earlier in the week, dumped more than a half-foot of precipitation, overwhelming ditches and drainage systems.
On Saturday, the heaviest-impacted region appeared to be the Interstate 35 and 44 corridors, with parts of I-44 shut down southwest of the Oklahoma City metro.
Flash Flood Watches and Warnings
Flash Flood Watches were issued for more than 2 million residents across the southern Plains, with several communities under Flash Flood Warnings.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” National Weather Service meteorologists from Norman, Oklahoma, stated.
According to the weather agency, just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet and a foot of floodwater can carry a car away.
Rainfall and Flooding
Doppler radar indicated rainfall rates between 1-2 inches per hour occurred in the alerted area with upwards of 6 inches of precipitation over the last 24 hours.
Further southwest in the Texas Panhandle, the mixture of hail and rainfall was too much for culverts to handle around the communities of Earth and Springlake.
Video from a storm chaser showed water rushing across Highway 70 after a tornado-warned storm moved through on Friday evening.
Rescue Efforts
“Several people were stuck on the west side of Earth in the hail. They just slid off the road,” storm chaser Chris Davis said.
The latest severe weather event came less than a week after five people died from flash flooding and severe weather throughout the southern Plains.
Law enforcement reported responding to dozens of high-water rescues last Sunday around communities such as Moore and around the Tulsa metro.
Conclusion
The deadly flash flooding in southwest Oklahoma and northern Texas is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. It is crucial to stay informed about weather conditions and follow evacuation orders to ensure safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I encounter flooded roads?
A: Turn around, don’t drown. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, and it is not safe to drive through flooded roads.
Q: How much water can knock an adult off their feet?
A: Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet.
Q: How much floodwater can carry a car away?
A: A foot of floodwater can carry a car away.
Q: What should I do if I am stuck in a flood?
A: Stay calm and call for help. If you are in a vehicle, get to higher ground and stay away from flooded areas.
Q: How can I stay informed about weather conditions?
A: Stay tuned to local news and weather reports, and sign up for emergency alerts from your local government or weather service.
