Oklahoma is bracing for another round of severe weather, with State Climatologist Gary McManus issuing a dire warning about the potential for “life-threatening flash flooding” across the state. The forecast calls for 4-7 inches of rain, with higher local amounts, impacting areas that have already experienced significant rainfall over the past two months.
“Now I don’t want to even think about what’s gonna happen in that area across Oklahoma where 4-7 inches (and higher in local amounts) is forecast to fall, because it’s already had way too much rain over the previous two months,” McManus stated. He grimly predicted, “But I’m gonna go ahead and predict it ain’t gonna be pretty.”
The immediate concern is flash flooding, with a watch already in effect for much of the state. McManus emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Wait, wait, wait, as bad as that looks, the threat of flash flooding is just as great, and we already have a flash flood watch out for much of the state in anticipation.”
McManus highlighted the extreme danger posed by “over-saturated soils” and storms that “train over and over,” leading to “life-threatening flash flooding.” He issued a critical plea to residents, recalling recent tragedies: “After the loss of life just this spring from driving into flooded roadways, it’s imperative that we TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.”
The best advice, according to McManus, is to “simply STAY HOME and not get out in the mess.” For those who cannot avoid driving, he urged caution: “Don’t drive into that water. Just within a few miles of me here in Norman, we have two roadways that washed away underneath rushing water. You drive into that, the rug (and road) will be pulled out from under you, and off you go into the flood waters.” He added a personal touch, “Don’t worry, nobody is in that much of a hurry to see you that you have to risk the straight route through that water. Okay, maybe I’m projecting, but it’s better to stay safe.”
Beyond the flood threat, the state faces a multi-faceted weather assault through the overnight hours. “So we have several threats today into the overnight hours…big storms, big hail, big wind (mmmmmmm, bean burritos!), tornadoes, and flash flooding,” McManus detailed.
Following this volatile period, a cold front is expected to bring a significant cool-down. “After the cold front pushes through, we’ll cool down from our foray into summer yesterday and today,” McManus said, noting the recent punishing heat. “Wait, you didn’t go outside yesterday? It was punishing, and nobody was yet acclimated to it, as it had been so mild. Check out that heat index!”
Looking ahead, McManus noted, “Another steamy day today, and then it’s gonna be downright March-ish tomorrow.” He concluded with clear “MARCHing orders” for Oklahomans: “stay weather aware today, have a plan should severe weather approach you, have at least two ways to get warnings, AND don’t drive into that water.”
The cycle of severe weather is set to repeat, with McManus simply stating, “And then we do it all again on Thursday.”
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