Residents in parts of Oklahoma and northern Texas are facing a potential deluge as the National Weather Service in Oklahoma City has issued a Flood Watch in effect through this evening. The alert includes a wide swath of counties where "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible," according to the alert from the National Weather Service Hazardous Outlook. This area has already seen substantial rainfall overnight, and forecasts predict another round of showers and thunderstorms could exacerbate the situation.
With humidity sitting at a skin-soaking 93%, and winds gusting up to 25 mph, folks will do well to keep an umbrella close at hand and an eye on rapidly filling waterways. The region can expect new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, "except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms," detailed the most recent update. Swollen rivers, creeks, and other water bodies could spell trouble for low-lying areas particularly susceptible to flooding.
Looking ahead, the chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected to persist throughout the week. On Monday, partly sunny skies and a high near 76 degrees may offer a brief break, but rain remains in the forecast. By Tuesday, there is a 20 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m., with rain chances increasing as the week progresses.
Wednesday's forecast should raise eyebrows, with a staggering 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, and the temperature is expected to peak near 75. While the evening will offer a brief intermission in precipitation, thunderstorms and subsequent showers are predicted to roll back in after 1 a.m. As the week progresses, the storyline remains consistent - a high chance of rain and scattered thunderstorms loom overhead, reinforcing the anticipation of potential flooding.
The NWS has urged caution, advising those in affected areas: "You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings," and stating, "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop." The full impact will depend on the evolution of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, but with the ground already saturated from recent rains, the stage is set for heightened flood risks.
