Residents across Okmulgee County are being urged to stay weather-aware as forecasters warn of another round of rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions. A Flood Watch has been issued and will go into effect from midnight Tuesday through Wednesday morning, impacting several counties across eastern Oklahoma, including Okmulgee.

According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected overnight and into Wednesday, with widespread rainfall totals of one to three inches and localized amounts up to five inches possible. These storms may “train” over the same areas, meaning repeated heavy rainfall in a short period – greatly increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and floodprone areas.

— Counties Included in Flood Watch • East Central Oklahoma: Cherokee, Muskogee, Okfuskee • Northeast Oklahoma: Craig, Creek, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington (OK)

• Southeast Oklahoma: McIntosh, Pittsburg Local emergency management officials in Okmulgee County are closely monitoring the situation. Residents, especially those living near rivers, creeks, and other flood-prone zones, are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of rising water and to take action if necessary.

— Flood Safety Reminders for Motorists

As roads across the county could quickly become hazardous, drivers are reminded to exercise extreme caution:

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive into floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 12 inches can carry away a vehicle.

• Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flooded roads.

• Obey Barricades and Signs: They are there for your safety. Do not attempt to bypass them.

• Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for travel and check local road conditions before heading out.

Jeffrey Moore, Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director, reminds residents to stay tuned to local alerts and be ready to act quickly. “Have a go-kit ready if you live in a flood-prone area,” he advises. “Know your evacuation routes and don’t wait until it’s too late to move to higher ground.”

For real-time updates and preparedness tips, residents can visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood.

The community is encouraged to report flooded roads or emergency conditions to local authorities and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary during periods of heavy rainfall.

Stay safe, stay informed and be prepared.