By BOB GIBBINS
TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Despite heavy rains Sunday and Monday, the Illinois River at Tahlequah should to remain within its banks this week.
The National Weather Service Web site reports 2.73 inches of rain were recorded at the Tahlequah airport between 7:55 a.m. Sunday and 6:54 p.m. Monday. The forecasts call for chances of additional rainfall off and on through the rest of the work week.
The rain put the river’s level at Tahlequah Monday at 7.12 feet, with predictions that it would rise to 8.5 feet by 1 a.m. Wednesday. Flood stage for the river is 11 feet at Tahlequah.
Local emergency management officials warn the showers that have been falling can produce large amounts of precipitation in a short period of time, and motorists should use caution when driving in areas where water is standing in the roadway. Law enforcement offices suggest finding an alternate route in such cases.
The state shows only one road closed due to high water, and that’s State Highway 80 between Hulbert and Wildwood. Motorists should remember it takes a small amount of water to displace a vehicle.
