A state of emergency for nine counties in Oklahoma was declared on 14 June 2016 after severe floods and storms in the state that began Saturday 11 June, 2016.
The counties covered in the declaration are: Caddo, Carter, Comanche, Cotton, Garvin, Grady, McClain, Murray and Stephens, although further counties may be added in the future.
In the declaration, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb said:
“Since Saturday, these Oklahoma counties have experienced flooding, severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds. Initial reports show damage in numerous communities including Apache, Cyril, Lawton, Maysville and Walters. Further damage assessments are ongoing.”
The executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary.
The National Weather Service said that as much as 9 inches (228 mm) of rain fell in the morning of 12 June in Maysville, Garvin County.
945 am: Rainfall estimates of this morning's rainfall as of 930 AM. 8-9" estimated near Maysville. #okwx pic.twitter.com/A1GgXK5AAN
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) June 12, 2016
Flooding prompted several flood rescues from homes in Maysville, and some evacuations in Lawton, Garden Village and Shelter Creek in Comanche County, and in Duncan, Stephens County.
The Duncan Police Department is still searching for an 8 year old boy after he went missing Sunday 12 June, as flash flooding swept through southern Oklahoma Yesterday, the Police Department said:
“Our search for Damion Alexander is still ongoing. We currently have teams on foot and drones in the air. We are hoping to send more teams out after the weather passes. We have several volunteer firemen on standby and K-9 teams on their way.”
The severe weather also affected areas further south, into Texas, by 13 June. Navarro County southeast of Dallas , was one of the worst affected. Flooding there closed parts of the Interstate 45 and several people had to rescued after their vehicles were trapped in flood water.
Social Media
State Hwy 29 impassable due to high water, 5mi east of Bray, Ok @NWSNorman @KOCOShelby @koconews #okwx pic.twitter.com/vf6yLOxqMF
— Lawrence McEwen (@Lawrence_svrwx) June 12, 2016
Flooding right now in Lawton #okwx pic.twitter.com/4nbJRH52ZH
— David Bane (@GospelFuel) June 12, 2016
Meanwhile Lawton,Ok has flooded again.And i've been stuck on the hwy 3 1/2hrs now. pic.twitter.com/Cw01NHHr0t
— kanitha (@FancyKy) June 12, 2016
Flood Summary
Locations
B - Maysville
Magnitude
Maysville
Damages
Duncan
