Updated 9:45 p.m. Heavy rainfall continues to create flooding concerns across central Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports at least 15 road closures.
National Weather Service meteorologist Harold Brooks confirms what forecasters had been predicting - today's deluge would surpass historic single-month rainfall record for Oklahoma City.
The 17.61 for May (as of 854 PM) means 20.46 for 14 April-23 May, the rainiest 40 days and 40 nights in OKC history. #okwx @NWSNorman
— Harold Brooks (@hebrooks87) May 24, 2015
Updated 7:18 p.m. "We've already picked up 2.25 inches of rain in OKC," said KOCO Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane. "And the heaviest rain is now across south sides of the metro."
An updated Oklahoma Mesonet map indicates significant rainfall amounts across the state and Oklahoma City metro.
707pm - Basically, if it's raining. it's flooding. Stay off the roads. Map shows rainfall since midnight. @okmesonet pic.twitter.com/SL1oeDaZC3
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) May 24, 2015
Updated 6:40 p.m. Tornado sirens sound in Moore, OK. An area of rotation was indicated on radar near 19th Street - east of Interstate 35. Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane says,“We're keeping as close of an eye on this storm in Moore as we possibly can.”
Updated 5:15 p.m. Tornado spotted near Pocasset, Oklahoma. NWS forecasters have issued a Tornado Warning for Grady County until 5:45 p.m.
5:21 pm CDT Tornado Watch extended now includes Cleveland, Canadian, Oklahoma, Lincoln Counties and south cetrl #okwx pic.twitter.com/821AmZBlrI
— Oklahoma Mesonet (@okmesonet) May 23, 2015
Updated 4:06 p.m. Interstate 40 closed due to flooding.
I40 EAST AND WEST AT MM 55.5 ARE BOTH SHUT DOWN DUE TO FLOODING ON THE INTERSTATE, THIS WILL BE THE CUSTER/WASHITA CNTY LINE
— Okla. Highway Patrol (@OHPtraffic) May 23, 2015
The National Weather Service warns of "very dangerous flash flooding" across western parts of the state where storms have continued since the morning hours. High-standing water and areas of flooding are reported in Elk City, Carter, Canute, Butler, and Hammon where up to five inches of rain has already fallen. NWS is urging residents of these areas to "seek higher ground immediately" and avoid roadways.
Updated 2:04 p.m. A Tornado Watch is in effect for extreme southwestern Oklahoma until 7 p.m.
1:20 pm CDT Tornado Watch for SW OK #okwx pic.twitter.com/I8AfHqdwIv
— Oklahoma Mesonet (@okmesonet) May 23, 2015
Updated 11:40 a.m. The National Weather Service in Norman says up to two inches of rain has fallen in the past one to two hours in northwestern Oklahoma. Forecasters have issued an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisoryfor affected areas until 2:30 p.m.
This is why we are concerned about flooding. Check out some of the one hour rain totals in W OK from @okmesonet #OkWx pic.twitter.com/p34XqIjw7v
— Ben Walnick (@BenWalnick) May 23, 2015
Updated 10:30 a.m. The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a flash flood warning for eastern and southeastern Mills County in western Oklahoma until 1:15 p.m. At 10:16 a.m. doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain. Up to two inches of rain have already fallen across eastern Roger Mills County affecting Cheyenne and Strong City, and Angora and Berlin are also at risk. Additional rainfall amounts of one to two inches are possible in the warned area.
Original Post
Early Saturday morning, heavy rain and severe storms developed over the Texas Panhandle. These storms, along with newly developing storms, will spread into western Oklahoma and western north Texas this morning. The storms will continue to expand and move east and northeast through the day.
Flooding remains a major concern today through at least Sunday, because of saturated soil and existing flooding on area rivers and streams. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday morning.
Severe weather, including the usual hail and strong winds, will be possible as well, mainly this afternoon and evening. The risk of tornadoes is low, but certainly not zero.
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