Oklahoma City, Okla. – A widespread flood watch takes effect this evening across central and northern Oklahoma as slow-moving thunderstorms threaten to dump several inches of rain through Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, the alert covers more than 20 counties—including Oklahoma, Canadian, Payne, Garfield, and Kay—where excessive runoff could flood roads, creeks, and low-lying areas. The watch runs from Thursday evening through 1 p.m. Friday.
Cities such as Oklahoma City, Enid, Stillwater, and Ponca City may see localized street flooding and rapid rises in streams and rivers. Rural areas, particularly in Dewey, Ellis, and Roger Mills counties, are also at risk for flash flooding overnight. Rainfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour in some storms.
Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways and prepare for possible road closures, especially along U.S. Highways 81, 60, and 183. Emergency officials advise keeping phones charged and having an evacuation plan if living near flood-prone areas.
Rain chances decrease by late Friday, but additional flood alerts are possible if storms redevelop into the weekend.
