By JOSH NEWTON
TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Heavy rains, lightning, high winds, hail and tornadoes all warrant a great deal of caution in Oklahoma, especially during the busiest time of year for such threats – right about now.
A number of residents and business owners along State Highway 10 and near Tenkiller Lake weren’t prepared to face the recent flooding problems about two weeks ago, so rising waters quickly covered buildings, buses and other property.
For some, damage cleanup is continuing, so when the National Weather Service predicted earlier this week the area could see more rain, Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Administrator Ed Fite warned those in the vicinity of impeding danger, if weather forecasts held true.
“If NWS weather forecasters are correct,” Fite said Wednesday, “we’re on the verge of seeing a record flood event within the Illinois River Basin, greater than that of two weeks ago.”
Some took heed to Fite’s warning and moved boats and buses to higher ground. Rain came Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, but perhaps not as much as the NWS had previously predicted.
Still, “I’d rather all be safe than sorry,” Fite said Wednesday.
And the NWS Thursday said Cherokee County’s Flood Watch would remain in effect until this morning, as showers and thunderstorms were expected to “quickly strengthen and produce rainfall rates in excess of 1 inch per hour” Thursday night and Friday morning. Local amounts, stated the NWS Web site forecast, could exceed 5 inches when the rain moves out today.
By 3:30 p.m. Thursday, those storms invaded the county with brief moments of heavy rain and lightning.
“These amounts of rain will produce flash flooding and mainstream river flooding,” said the NWS.
Jordan Pool, Community Relations coordinator for the American Red Cross, Muskogee Service Center, said to listen to radio and TV stations for updated storm information, whether it’s a potential for floods, storms or tornadoes. Heeding warnings issued by the NWS can be life-saving. Avoid areas subject to flooding, whether walking or driving.
“Many fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water, or people playing in high water,” said Pool. “If it is moving swiftly, even water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.”
A polling of local drivers shows many admit to driving across standing water without knowing how deep it is. That’s an act that can become life-threatening in an instant.
“Sure, I do it, because I don’t ever think about it,” said Geraldine Hammer. “I travel our county roads all the time when it rains, and I don’t think twice. I know it’s dangerous.”
If in doubt, turn around, experts say. Pool says to never ignore road closures.
“If your route is blocked by floodwater or barricades, find another route,” said Pool. “Barricades are put up by officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.”
