Heavy Rains Cause Major Flooding Across Northeast Oklahoma

NewsOn6.com

NEAR VINITA, Oklahoma – Heavy rains have caused major flooding in many locations across Northeast Oklahoma.

Nearly ten inches of rain have fallen near Vinita.  That's where SkyNews6 found three men rescuing a woman in a stranded vehicle.  The video shows one man breaking a window to help get the woman out.  The men then helped her wade through the water to safety. 

News On 6 reporter Ashli Sims captured video of flooding along I-44 southwest of Miami.  Flooding forced Miami Public Schools to cancel classes Tuesday.

Rising waters also caused problems in Muskogee. The Muskogee Police Department told News On 6 officers performed several vehicle rescues Monday evening.

Cherokee County Emergency Management said it had also received reports of significant flooding.  Officials there said at least three water rescues were performed Monday, but no one was injured.  Power lines and trees are down across Cherokee County.

Evacuations are underway in Craig County, according to Morris Bluejacket, the Craig County Emergency Management Director. Bluejacket said residents in Vinita were being evacuated. One lane of Highway 66 covered with water.

The Red Cross has opened a shelter in Vinita for residents displaced by flooding. The shelter is located at First Christian Church at 226 West Canadian in Vinita.

The rains are causing problems for many Green Country lakes and rivers.

The Illinois River near Watts expected to crest about 12 feet above flood stage Tuesday afternoon. Near Tahlequah, the Illinois River is expected to crest almost ten feet above flood stage Wednesday afternoon.