Oklahomans may need to break out their rain boots and prepare for possible flooding as the National Weather Service in Oklahoma City has issued a flood watch. The watch is set to be in effect from this evening through Friday afternoon due to potential excessive rainfall that could cause flooding across central, east central, southern, and southwest Oklahoma, as reported by the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service forecast, affected areas include Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties, among others. The forecast suggests that showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible after 1am, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation overnight. This weather event is expected to not only bring moderate to heavy rainfall over the already saturated regions from recent rains, but to possibly also lead to additional flooding concerns.
"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the National Weather Service warned, urging residents to be on the alert. Such areas have been identified as potentially vulnerable due to high-running creeks and streams, which could spill over with further heavy precipitation.
For locals already keeping an anxious eye on the skies, the forecast ahead looks to gradually improve over the weekend post-flood watch. The National Weather Service detailed a weekend filled with mostly sunny conditions and highs around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet, residents are still recommended to remain vigilant and to always be prepared to "take action should flooding develop," as mentioned in the National Weather Service alert. As a precautionary measure, the public may want to regularly check for updates on the changing weather conditions and heed any additional warnings issued by weather officials.
