Family Rescued From Rising Waters After Heavy Rain In Mayes County

A mother and her four children are safe after getting caught in fast rising waters from the heavy rain Thursday night and having to be rescued.

The water went up quickly and stranded a car in a ditch near Inola.

More than four inches of rain around Mayes County led to flash flooding and now, cows and horses are drying out as the water continues to go down.

Grand River Dam Authority said a woman and four kids got stranded after water rose fast and officers had to rescue them, near 425 Road and 620 Road.

One of our storm trackers was there.

"Fortunately, our officer was able to get there and get to the car," said Justin Alberty.

These situations can happen quickly and they can be very dangerous, but the family of five in the car is now safe.

"Water comes up so fast in a situation like that. We're very fortunate this ended the way it did for everyone involved," Alberty said.

Alberty said swift water rescue training helps agencies be ready for these types of rescues.

"Sometimes it's on the river, sometimes the lake, sometimes in situations like this," he said.

The rain left behind a bit of a mess and crews worked to clean up debris Friday.

Alberty said if you're driving in flash flooding situation and you can't turn around, then keep your lights on, your phone charged, and open a door or window if possible.

"Stay calm," he said. "That sounds tough to do, but you really need to keep your wits about you."

There is still quite a bit of a water on several roads but most drivers are taking it slow.