Flash Flood Information for Oklahoma - What You Need to Know

I have experienced many different types of weather since I moved here to Oklahoma over three years ago. I have experienced severe drought, wind storms, severe thunder storms, snow storms, ice storms and flash flooding. Almost all of these weather situations were pretty new to me. I took it upon myself to learn about the weather in this area by talking to people around here who have been through it all. I did this to get an understanding of what I may need to do or know about these situations. Right now currently in my area, we are under a flash flood watch. Before I wouldn't have known what that really meant, but now after experiencing it first hand I can share this information with you.

I never really understood what a flash flood was. My in-laws had explained to me that it's when severe downpours of rain happen so quickly that it floods the area with little or no warning. They also went on to explain that they usually only last for an hour and then the waters recede.

Flash flooding I have learnt is not something you want to be driving in. I have been caught a few times while driving in a SUV. The rain pour was so bad that my windshield wipers could not keep up and I could not see more than several feet in front of my vehicle. It gets really scary. My husband and I once had to drive under a bridge while a storm passed over us.

My husband Shannon Smith, who is the Chief of Police in this area, told me that you should never drive or walk over water covered roads because the road may no longer be there. He said that you should wait until the water subsides off the roadways before driving after flooding.

Shannon also advised that no person should attempt to walk through running waters as they may cause you to loose balance and fall. In very bad cases of flash flooding, the waters get high enough to move cars, boulders, uproot trees and destroy bridges.

If this being the case, you definitely do not want to be in the water at all if debris of that size are moving. It is extremely dangerous.

You must insure that children and pets are inside when a flash flood warning occurs. When a flash flood warning or watch is issued, be alert. Flooding has been known to be the number on killer in regards to weather related deaths. It is wise to purchase a weather radio to keep up to date on weather updates during storm season.

Sources

First Hand Experience

Interviewing my husband and his family,

Who lived here for over 60 years.