Local
Heavy rain puts Oklahoma City commute at risk as storms bring flooding threat
A flash flood warning was in effect for the Oklahoma City metro Wednesday morning after overnight storms brought dangerous road conditions and crashes. Forecasters expected more rain, with as much as 4 to 6 inches possible across central Oklahoma over three days.
A flash flood warning was in effect for the Oklahoma City metro Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, as storms moving across central Oklahoma created hazardous driving conditions and renewed flooding concerns.
Heavy rain had already contributed to ponding and flash flooding in parts of the state. Multiple crashes were reported overnight and early Wednesday as residents began their commutes, and additional showers and thunderstorms were expected through the day.
Central and southwestern Oklahoma, including the metro, were under a Level 2 “slight” risk for severe weather. Forecasters said flooding was the main concern, but storms could also produce wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph and hail up to 1 inch. The tornado risk was considered low: the forecast index was 2 out of 10 in the slight-risk area and 1 out of 10 in areas under a Level 1 “marginal” risk.
A flood watch covering central, western and northern Oklahoma was set to remain in effect until 1 p.m. Friday. Rainfall forecasts called for 4 to 6 inches over three days in central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City area, and 2 to 4 inches across most of the rest of the state.
The storms began in western Oklahoma late Tuesday night before moving into central parts of the state. The forecast raised concern for residents and commuters because further rainfall could add to already saturated roads and areas experiencing flooding.