The Caney River On The Rise

The Caney River is deep and getting deeper between Oologah and Collinsville.  Rescue crews are patrolling to see if they can help flood victims who haven't made it out already.  The News On 6's Craig Day reports for some, the only way to get to their homes is by boat.

From SkyNews 6, you can see where the Caney River northeast of Collinsville has gone up 13 feet in less than three days and it's going to get worse before it gets better.  More chances for rain in the forecast won't help matters.

About the only way to get to Buck Martin's house is to wade through the water or go by boat.  Martin's been watching the water's steady rise over the past few days.

"We started off, you know, with surface water and it was crossing this road, but it wasn't the river.  The river wasn't out yet," said Buck Martin.

Over the years, flooding has been fairly common.

"Well, it's something I guess I've got used to, Craig," said Buck Martin.

But even Martin says this flood is one of the worst he's seen in 32 years of living here.  The water isn't inside many homes in the area, but it's close.  And, it's inconvenient.

"It's kind of bad.  It kind of makes it hard for people to get out and go to work," said Buck Martin.

Martin and other residents have gotten many of their valuables to higher ground.  And, they now hope the water doesn't get into their homes.

As for Martin's home, it's surrounded by water, but is safe.  He built it nine feet off the ground on stilts.

The past year hasn't been kind to people living in the Collinsville area.  There was a flood in July of last year, where the water got all the way up to the bottom of a trailer house.  Then, there was the December ice storm, another flood in April, and now this.  But, as Martin puts it, you can't control the elements; you just have to learn to live with them.

Despite the high water, and flooding over the years, Martin says it's home and he loves the area.

"I wouldn't trade this thing even for an 8,000 square foot home in Tulsa.  That's just the way I feel about it," said Buck Martin.

So, at least for now, he'll keep paddling his way back and forth.  And, he'll hope we don't get any more rain, anytime soon.

The Caney River is expected to crest Thursday afternoon at about 35 feet, which is worse than a big flood there in 1993.  It could be worse than that if we get a lot of rain upstream.