Severe thunderstorms swept across Oklahoma on Saturday, bringing widespread flash flooding and prompting multiple tornado warnings throughout the day. The storms caused significant disruption, including road closures and property damage, and contributed to at least one fatality reported by authorities.
Heavy rainfall led to dangerous flood conditions in several areas. In Lawton, located in southwestern Oklahoma, police reported at least one person drowned due to flooded roads. The city received significant rainfall, impacting areas like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which closed due to high water washing over bridges.
The National Weather Service issued a series of tornado warnings as storms moved through southern and southeastern parts of the state. Warnings were in effect at various times for counties including Coal, Hughes, Johnston, Marshall, Bryan, and Atoka. Risks associated with these storms included the potential for tornadoes and large hail.
Beyond tornado threats, severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued, citing threats of damaging winds up to 70 mph and hail. These warnings covered areas such as Johnston, Coal, and Atoka counties.
Across the state, flooding closed numerous roads. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reported closures on sections of Interstate 44 near Lawton and State Highway 7. Within the Oklahoma City metro area, road closures were widespread in Moore due to rising water. WATCH Storm Tracker video from Veterans Park in Moore showed rapidly moving water several feet deep.
The severe weather also impacted scheduled public events. The Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts delayed its opening on Saturday. Organizers for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon canceled Saturday races, citing lightning and flash flooding concerns. Festival of the Arts in OKC delayed Saturday due to storms
The severe weather on April 26 followed a deadly flooding event one week prior in Moore. Authorities identified Erika Lott, 44, and her 12-year-old son, Rivers Bond, as victims who died on April 19 after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Bodies of Mom and 12-Year-Old Son Identified After Car Was Swept Away in Storm Rivers Bond was a sixth-grade student at Apple Creek Elementary.
Officials reported emergency management crews conducted rescues of people stranded in vehicles and homes in flood-affected areas. In Lawton, first responders used boats to reach residents.
Authorities warn that the severe weather threat for Oklahoma is expected to continue into Sunday and the beginning of the upcoming week. Learn more about the next storm risk here
Moore Police Department officials commented on the impact of such events after the April 19 tragedy, stating, “Anytime a tragedy such as this occurs, it impacts our entire community.”
