Flash Flooding and Heavy Rain Threaten Eastern Oklahoma 8/12

Photo byNational Weather Service

Multiple Flood Advisories Issued as Thunderstorms Continue

Tulsa, OK – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tulsa has issued several Flood Advisories and a Hazardous Weather Outlook for eastern Oklahoma, including areas around McAlester, Eufaula, and Sallisaw. The advisories come as thunderstorms continue to produce heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flash flooding across the region.

Ongoing Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall

Thunderstorms have been persistent across eastern Oklahoma since early Monday morning, leading to significant rainfall accumulations. A narrow band of very heavy rain has formed from near Pawhuska to Eufaula, causing localized flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. The NWS warns that these conditions are likely to continue into the early afternoon.

"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected," the NWS stated, noting that areas such as McAlester, Wilburton, and Sallisaw are at particular risk. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have already fallen in these areas, with additional rainfall expected throughout the day.

Specific Flood Advisories in Effect

Several Flood Advisories have been issued across eastern Oklahoma:

• Pittsburg County: A Flood Advisory is in effect until 12:00 PM CDT. The McAlester area is already experiencing minor flooding, with up to 2 inches of rain having fallen. Flood-prone areas, including low-lying regions and poor drainage zones, are particularly vulnerable.
• Haskell, Latimer, Le Flore, and Pittsburg Counties: A Flood Advisory is also in effect until 12:00 PM CDT, with continued heavy rain expected to cause flooding in areas such as Hartshorne, Quinton, and Talihina.
• Muskogee, Okmulgee, and Sequoyah Counties: A separate Flood Advisory extends until 10:15 AM CDT, affecting towns like Eufaula, Stigler, and Checotah. This region has seen 1 to 3 inches of rain, with additional precipitation likely to exacerbate flooding.

Safety and Precautions

Residents in the affected areas are urged to exercise caution, particularly when traveling. The NWS emphasizes the importance of avoiding flooded roads, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. "Turn around, don’t drown," the advisory warns, urging people to seek alternative routes if they encounter flooded roadways.

As the day progresses, more thunderstorms are expected, possibly bringing further heavy rain and extending the flooding threat into the evening. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.