Wagoner County Flooding Keeps First Responders Busy

Although some of the flooded areas in Wagoner County have receded, the emergency manager said the roads are not back to normal.

Drivers still are urged to be aware.

One of the prime problem areas is State Highway 16. Since the flooding started, crews have completed  10 rescues there, and it's putting a strain on emergency responders, officials say.

The creek ditches are spilling over into the streets and with each minute goes by things get worse. But authorities say drivers are ignoring their constant warnings.

12/27/2015 Related Story: Man Feared Dead After Being Swept Away In Pittsburg County Floodwaters

Wagoner County Emergency Management director Heath Underwood said at one point Saturday night, five cars were stuck in the water on Highway 16 south of Wagoner. That included small cars as well as trucks and Jeeps.

He says people driving larger cars think because the car sits higher they'll be OK. However, the water is flowing so fast across the roads because of flash flooding, it's pushing them off the road. If they aren't getting stalled, they are stuck in ditches.

In addition to being aware of the commonly flooded areas and signs, it's important to stay alert at all times.

“All of the roads are going to have flash-flooding and because we have creek beds that are out of their banks now because of all the rain throughout the year, so we have roads that typically aren't flooding but are now," Underwood said.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is keeping watch along Highway 16 to make sure drivers don't drive into the water.

Underwood says drivers are putting themselves in dangers by ignoring the warning signs, but they also are putting the lives of first responders in danger.

He said trying to save a few minutes getting home isn't worth yours or someone else's life.

Weather Alerts

WARN Interactive Radar

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning is in effect in the far western counties of the state, and an ice storm warning for counties along Interstate 35, which could creep into the far eastern parts of our viewing area.

To find out about road conditions across the state, check ODOT's real-time interactive map by clicking here  or call 877-403-7623.

If you are traveling across the region and need information on road conditions in neighboring states:

Arkansas 800-245-1672 www.idrivearkansas.com
Colorado 303-639-1111 www.cotrip.org
Kansas 866-511-5368 511.ksdot.org
Missouri 888-275-6636 www.modot.org
New Mexico 800-432-4269 www.nmroads.com
Texas 800-452-9292 www.drivetexas.org