The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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April 29, 2009

Storms roll across Oklahoma

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

Severe weather continued to roll across the state Wednesday, and storms were expected to continue throughout the week.

National Weather Service issued a flood warning Wednesday for Major, Woods and Woodward counties for the Cimarron River near Waynoka lasting until this evening.

According to the NWS, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday the stage of the river was 7.2 feet and minor flooding was forecast, especially in low-lying areas near the river. Flood stage is 8 feet.

The NWS was forecasting late Wednesday evening the river to rise above flood stage to 8.1 feet by early morning today, with the river falling below flood stage this evening.

The area affected runs along the river from near Freedom upstream to U.S. 281, crossing south of Little Sahara State Park near Waynoka.

Major County Undersheriff Jason Caywood said members of his office received a warning Wednesday morning and checked two area bridges, but both appeared to be fine.

“The only thing we really have trouble with is at the Orienta junction because it was totally under water,” Caywood said. “I don’t think there are any areas they need to stay out of.”

Steve Foster, acting emergency manager for Woods County, said he doesn’t see flooding being a problem for the county.

“The river is way down,” Foster said. “It shouldn’t cause us any trouble in Alva or down by Little Sahara.”

Gov. Brad Henry issued a state of emergency Wednesday for nine Oklahoma counties suffering damages from tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred since the weekend.

Counties included in the declaration are Garfield, Alfal-fa, Dewey, Ellis, Grant, Kay, Major, Woods and Woodward. Other counties could be added as conditions warrant, the governor’s office said.

“Many communities throughout our state have been hit hard by severe storms that began over the weekend and are continuing to cause significant damage,” Henry said. “It is critical that city and county governments have all available resources at their disposal.”

Under Henry’s order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to speed delivery of resources to affected areas. The declaration also serves as a first step toward seeking federal assistance, should it be necessary.

One highway in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma 8, will remain closed for about a month as repairs are made. Flooding caused a bridge between Cleo Springs and Aline to collapse.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation also reported Oklahoma 156 in Kay County between Marland and U.S. 60 east of Tonkawa remained closed.

NWS forecasts a chance of thunderstorms through the weekend.

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