New Tool Helps Warn Pryor Drivers Of Flooding Dangers

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

PRYOR, OK -- May is typically Oklahoma's rainiest month.

It is Flood Awareness month because of the severe flooding Green Country can see this time of year.

Since 1999, 12 Oklahomans have drowned while trying to get through flooded roads. The most recent was in Pryor last May.

"Every time we do have a major flood, this roadway will go underwater," Tim Thompson, Pryor Fire Chief, said.

And it cost one woman her life.

Kimberlyn Kendrick, 49, was driving home from her parents' house on Elliott Street in Pryor. Just a half mile down the road, she went around a barrier. Kendrick lost control of her car in the water.

"The current caught the rear end of her car, and pushed it around, and actually pulled it into the ditch," Kenny Cooper, Pryor Fire Department, said. "And when it got into the deeper swifter water, it just pulled her out."

Kendrick called 911 but by the time help arrived, her car was already completely under water.

Now, in an effort to prevent another tragedy from happening here, Mayes County installed gates.

"They are going to really have to work hard to get around the locking gates," Thompson said.

And they hope the signs will make drivers think twice.

"Turn around, don't drown," Bill Robison, Oklahoma Flood Plain Managers Association Region 2 Representative, said.

The Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association partnered with the National Weather Service to provide the signs to raise awareness about flooded roadways.

"We're trying to save lives," Robinson said. "As little as six inches of water can knock you off your feet. And as little as two feet will float most vehicles off the road."

Jimmy Tramel, Mayor of Pryor, says he himself is guilty of misjudging water's depth.

"I've done it, I've actually done it," he said. "I learned my lesson. Puckered up pretty good."

A lesson Mayes County hopes others won't have to learn the hard way.

"We hope that it's not that important for them," Thompson said. "Take a little more time. Turn around. Don't drown. Go around."