Flash Flood Emergency Issued For OKC Metro

For the first time ever, the National Weather Service in Norman has issued a flash flood emergency for the Oklahoma City metro area, especially areas of southern OKC, Moore and Norman.

The Department of Transportation says no one should be on roads and highways in south Oklahoma City, Moore and Norman Wednesday night, where the police department is using boats to rescue stranded drivers.

5/6/2015 Related Story: State Emergency Operations Center Activated In Oklahoma

The main message is was clear Wednesday, just don't drive.

Governor Mary Fallin is working on issuing a state of emergency, but until that is official, folks in the affected areas are to proceed like one is in place.

5/6/2015 Related Story: Gov. Mary Fallin To Sign State Of Emergency Declaration

Crews from Public Works, Fire, Police and Parks are out assessing damage and were doing so most of the night.

The Norman Police Department said I-35 is closed due to downed transmission lines.

Video shows the current Norman hotel - what was formerly the Holiday Inn- was damaged as some of the siding was completely ripped off.

There's also a lot of flooding in the area, especially on heavily trafficked roads.

5/6/2015 Related Story: Severe Storms Produce Tornadoes, Cause Damage In Central Oklahoma

Some strip malls in Norman had water fully up to the businesses.

The Red Cross is currently working to help any people whose homes were hit in the storm.

Statewide, there are reports of more than 10,000 power outages.

The governor said everyone in the area should stay home if you don't have to go outside. Many people attempted to drive through the water and it got very dangerous Wednesday night.

Norman's Third Party Storm Debris Cleanup Contractor will be in the city Thursday morning to do an assessment of debris removal.

All water and sewer services in Norman are operating normally and have power and are operational.

The Grady County Sheriff Office confirmed the Tiger Safari took a direct hit and animals are on the loose.