Evacuations, Water Rescues Underway In Cherokee County

Cherokee County authorities say they have conducted numerous water rescues up and down Highway 10 because of rising waters on the nearby Illinois River.

Undersheriff Jason Chennault says crews have been busy, thanks to all the rain which has fallen Saturday. 

The News On 6 WARN team says the area has received over six inches of rain according the Tahlequah Mesonet site as storms move across Cherokee and Delaware counties.

State Highway officials have closed Highway 10 at Highway 62.  ODOT says water has washed away a section of the highway north of that intersection.  The two highways meet just east of Tahlequah.

Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King says several vehicles were swept off West 4th Street because of flooding.  He is asking people not to drive in Tahlequah Saturday afternoon.

Authorities are also working to evacuate several homes near the Illinois River north of Tahlequah