If you live in southeast Oklahoma or west-central Arkansas, you need to pay close attention to the weather over the next 24 hours. A Flood Watch is now in effect, with heavy rains set to dump up to 5 inches of water across the region. That might not sound like a lot at first, but with the ground already saturated, this much rain could cause dangerous flash flooding, road closures, and even property damage.
Who’s at Risk?
If you’re in any of the following areas, flooding is a real possibility:
- Oklahoma: Choctaw, Haskell, Latimer, Le Flore, McCurtain, Pushmataha, Sequoyah
- Arkansas: Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian
Low-lying areas, creeks, and rivers could overflow quickly, turning roads into rivers and making travel dangerous or impossible.
What to Expect
- Nonstop Downpours – Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with some areas seeing even more.
- Rapid Flooding – Streets, highways, and backroads could become impassable in a matter of minutes.
- Power Outages – Heavy rain and wind may knock down trees and power lines.
What You Need to Do Right Now
- Stay Informed – Keep an eye on weather updates from trusted sources.
- Avoid Flooded Roads – It only takes a foot of water to sweep away a car. If you see flooding, turn around, don’t drown.
- Prepare Your Home – If you live in a flood-prone area, move valuables to higher ground and have an emergency kit ready.
- Check on Loved Ones – Make sure family and friends, especially the elderly, are aware of the situation.
Bottom Line
This storm isn’t just another rainy day. It has the potential to cause major flooding, and waiting until the last minute to react could put you in danger. Stay safe, stay prepared, and don’t take any risks when it comes to flooding. Your safety comes first.
