A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Norman at 07:02 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30. This warning applies to Cleveland, Grady, McClain and Stephens counties.
The NWS warns: “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
See weather radar for Oklahoma City area
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 7:02 a.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“FFWOUN The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Flash Flood Warning for, Central Cleveland County in central Oklahoma, Southern Grady County in central Oklahoma, Southwestern McClain County in central Oklahoma, Northwestern Stephens County in southern Oklahoma, Until 10:15 a.m. CDT. At 7:2 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar.
IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Southwestern Norman, Newcastle, Purcell, Noble, Goldsby, Rush Springs, Dibble, Washington, Cole, Alex, Bradley, Criner, Agawam, Central High, Ninnekah and Acme.”
What is a flash flood?
A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours, according to the NWS. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
What’s the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground.The NWS issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.
What to do during a flood warning
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
Turn around, don’t drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
Watch out for fire hazards.
Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.
Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor. Let our News Automation and AI team know what you think of this story here.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Flash flood warning issued for OKC area: See latest weather alerts