Tulsa, OK – Residents of the Tulsa area are being urged to prepare for potential flooding as more heavy rain is forecasted for the latter part of this week. With soils already saturated from recent rainfall, the National Weather Service warns that the risk of flash flooding will increase significantly, especially on lower-lying roads and flood-prone areas.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service Tulsa office, the region has already experienced record-breaking rainfall, with Fort Smith, AR setting a new daily rainfall record of 3.37 inches on Monday, surpassing the previous record set in 1994. Forecasters expect additional precipitation from Thursday through Saturday, bringing another 1 to 3 inches of rain in many areas.
The most affected locations will include Tulsa and nearby towns along main roadways, including I-44 and U.S. Route 75, where travelers could encounter flooded streets. Safety officials remind drivers to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded roads. “Turn around, don’t drown” is a critical message, as even small amounts of water can cause vehicles to lose control or stall.
Looking ahead, Wednesday is forecasted to be mostly sunny with a high near 66°F, offering a brief reprieve before storms return Thursday night. Rain chances increase significantly by Friday, with potential thunderstorms and high winds expected, and a risk of gusts reaching 20 mph. Conditions are anticipated to improve slightly by Saturday evening, with the forecast showing partly sunny skies on Sunday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates closely and stay informed about potential flash flood warnings. Those in flood-prone areas should prepare to move to higher ground if needed and ensure emergency kits are ready in case of power outages or evacuation orders.
