Flooding Risk High For Eastern Oklahoma

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The potential for what News On 6 meteorologists are calling a heavy rainfall event is unfolding across eastern Oklahoma Thursday through early Friday.

A flash flood watch is posted for most of eastern Oklahoma.

Some severe thunderstorms may also occur Thursday afternoon across northern Oklahoma.

With the potential for flooding, the Tulsa Fire Department has sent out a news release, reminding residents and motorists about the dangers of flash flooding.

Tulsa Fire officials say water rescue is the second most often performed rescue for their department.

The City of Tulsa has also released a list of the city's most frequently flooded streets.

• 4300 South Sheridan
• 18500 East 41st Street
• 20100 East 11th Street
• 1800 North Mingo Road
• 2900 North Garnett
• 11000 East 36 Street North
• 5500 North Mingo Road
• 100 West 81st Street
• 8600 South Elwood
• 30th and South Riverside Drive
• 800 North Lewis
• 6200 to 6400 South Lewis
• Cameron and Denver Avenue

Tulsa Fire says first of all, never drive through a roadway in which you cannot see the surface of the road. Water as shallow as 6 inches will stall most vehicles, water around 2 feet deep will wash most vehicles, including SUVs, off of a roadway.

Second, if you encounter water flowing across the roadway, immediately turn around and find another route.

Third, Stay away from underpasses. Underpasses can fill rapidly with water, while the adjacent roadway remains clear. Driving into an underpass can quickly put you in five to six feet of water.

Fourth, if you find yourself stalled in rising water, if you can safely do so, immediately exit your vehicle and proceed to higher ground. Remember though, that a current flowing at 6mph pushes against a person with a force of 134 pounds, but a current flowing at 12 mph will be pushing against a person at 538 pounds. If you don't feel that you can safely exit your vehicle, stay in your vehicle and immediately call 911 and give your exact location.

And both Tulsa Fire and Police say NEVER go around road barricades warning of high water.

For the latest weather information, check out NewsOn6.com's weather page.