Nowata County Preparing For Second Round Of Flooding

Parts of Oklahoma hit by the flash floods in the last few days are preparing for another round of heavy rain.

One of those areas is Nowata County, where the Verdigris River reached three feet above flood stage, covering roads and even breaking a water main.

10/10/2014 Related Story: Verdigris River Flooding Threatens Nowata County Roads

Communities along the Oklahoma and Kansas lines saw more than a half of foot of rain last week.

Several fire departments had to respond to some swift water rescues and that's why the South Coffeyville Fire Department is ready for more rain.

The Nowata County countryside is soaked from flash flooding that left a state highway closed and county roads washed out.

The Verdigris River crested at 33 feet this weekend; it's gone down considerably near one bridge in South Coffeyville.

Farmer Scotty Herriman knows what it's like to be flooded out. His crops and home were destroyed seven years ago when the river went over its banks.

"Everything was setup to be a real flood, but fortunately it came up and within 30 hours it was pretty well back down," Herriman said.

Herriman is surprised to see all this rainfall in October.

"We're just hoping that it flows on, gets off here, our crops will be saved and we'll drive on like normal," he said. "As long as we don't get excessive amounts, and they are talking excessive, we'll be alright."

When asked what his initial reaction as emergency management was, South Coffeyville Emergency Management Director, Mitchell Lakey said, “Just that we needed to kind of keep a closer eye to what was going to be taking place tonight and into the morning hours.”

Lakey said first responders are ready to help if people get caught in flash flooding, but doesn't expect the flooding like they had last week.

"We should be fine, I believe that the creeks and the river has gone down to a point now that they can probably handle anything we get, unless it will be a large amount of rain over a short period of time," he said.

The focus right now is on a water main break near a bridge project.

Water donated by the Cherokee Nation is still being handed out to residents.

10/11/2014 Related Story: Bottled Water Distributed To Northern Nowata County Water Customers

Lakey said DEQ will perform tests and report back when it's safe to drink.

Oklahoma Union Schools was affected by the water main break last week. A temporary fix is in and school officials have been cleaning out - flushing out lines - and the superintendent said they will have school Monday.