Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Warns Of Historic Flooding On Illinois River

The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission latest forecast is showing a rapid rise of the Illinois River because of forecast rains expected Saturday and Sunday.  

12/26/2015 Related Story: Eastern Oklahoma Braces For Heavy Rains, Storms, Flooding And Snow

In a news release Saturday morning, the commission says the several of its gages along the Illinois River are expected to see river levels rise at least 20 feet between now and Sunday and Monday.

Current Stream Levels (as of 6:15 a.m. Saturday, December 26th):

• Illinois River – Watts Gage (US59 Bridge) 3.60ft
• Illinois River – Chewey Gage (Hampton Bridge)  4.09ft
• Illinois River – Tahlequah Gage (US62 Bridge) 6.80ft
• Flint Creek – Kansas, OK (US412 Bridge) Gage 6.52ft
• Barren Fork Creek – Eldon Gage(SH51 Bridge) 6.49ft

Forecast Flood Crest Time/Date/Levels:

• Illinois River – Watts Gage (US59 Bridge) 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 12/27/2015 at 27.10ft
• Illinois River – Chewey Gage (Hampton Bridge) 12:00 a.m. Monday morning, 12/28/2015 at 27.60ft
• Illinois River – Tahlequah Gage (US62 Bridge) Afternoon, Monday, 12/28/2015 at 25.40ft
• Flint Creek – Kansas, OK (US412 Bridge) Gage 6:00 a.m. Sunday, 12/27/2015 at 13.50ft
• Barren Fork Creek – Eldon Gage (SH51 Bridge) Noon, Sunday, 12/27/2015 at 24.00ft

The commission this rapid rise could be close to some historic levels for the Illinois River.

Historic (Highest of Record) Crest Levels:

• Illinois River – Watts Gage (US59 Bridge) 4/26/2011 at 28.60ft 
• Illinois River – Chewey Gage (Hampton Bridge) 4/26/2011 at 29.03ft 
• Illinois River – Tahlequah Gage (US62 Bridge) 5/10/1950 at 27.94ft 
• Flint Creek – Kansas, OK (US412 Bridge) Gage 6/08/1974 at 19.42ft 
• Barren Fork Creek – Eldon Gage (SH51 Bridge) 4/26/2011 at 28.51ft 

Oklahoma Scenic River Commission - Gage Information

Earlier this week, businesses and farmers along the river were urged to move equipment and livestock to higher ground.

12/242015 Related Story: Incoming Rains Have Some Preparing For Flooding Along Illinois River

The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission is warning drivers to NOT drive into water covered roads, especially after dark and any attempts to float down the Illinois River will be life threatening and strongly discouraged.