Torrential rains have drenched Okmulgee County over the past two weeks, pushing rivers to flood stage and shutting down major roadways across the region. Emergency Management officials and school districts are issuing urgent warnings and operational changes as floodwaters continue to rise and pose serious safety risks to the public.
According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, Okmulgee has received a staggering 11.21 inches of rain in the past 14 days and 17.15 inches over the past month. That deluge has pushed the Deep Fork River near Beggs past flood stage (18.1 feet), with forecasts calling for a crest of at least 21.3 feet by Thursday. Emergency officials warn that number could climb even higher depending on upstream rainfall.
“Even if there are no cones, no barricades, no dancing monkeys with flashing signs … do not – repeat do not – drive over water-covered roads,” read a stark social media message from Okmulgee County Emergency Management. “Please do not risk your life nor the lives of our first responders.”
Emergency responders have already conducted multiple water rescues this week. Officials emphasize that while barricades and signs are placed where possible, crews cannot be everywhere at once. Drivers must use common sense and avoid all water-covered roads.
As of Wednesday morning, the following roads were reported closed or covered in water:
• Liberty Road & 340 Road
• Liberty Road & 350 Road
• McKinley & 340 Road
• McKinley & 350 Road
• 340 Road between Smith & Liberty Road
• 340 Road north of Hwy 16
• 250 & Boren Road
• Bixby Road from Adams Road (County Line) to Ferguson
• Alt 75 & Preston Road railroad bridge
• Ash Road & Hwy 52 (East)
• 6th Street south from Morris to Ash Road
• Coalton Bottoms
• 260 Road north of Hwy 266
• Cedar Road east of Hwy 75
• 300 & Banyan Road
• S 270 & Bristlecone Road Additional closures may be in place as conditions change. Residents are urged to check with local authorities for the most current updates.
– Schools Adjust to Flooding Dangers Several local school districts responded swiftly to the dangerous conditions by shifting to virtual learning. Wilson Public Schools in Henryetta announced early Wednesday that all parents needed to pick up their children immediately due to flooding on Conifer Road, which made bus transportation impossible.
Preston Public Schools also transitioned to virtual learning to protect students and staff from the hazardous roads.
Other districts, such as Schulter, Henryetta and Beggs, remained open but implemented route modifications and excused tardies for students affected by high water.
Beggs Public Schools announced, “We will not be able to run our Nuyaka bus routes tomorrow. Students who are late due to rising water will receive an excused tardy.”
– Safety Is the Top Priority Okmulgee County Emergency Management continues to monitor the Deep Fork River and other flood-prone areas as more rain is expected in the coming days.
“Your life is not worth risking it,” an EM spokesperson said. “If you see water coming across roadways, do not drive through it.”
Residents are urged to:
• Avoid all flooded roads – whether marked or not.
• Monitor local news and official emergency management channels for updates.
• Prepare for possible evacuations in flood-prone zones.
• Report road closures or flooding to local authorities if safe to do so.
The situation remains fluid – quite literally – and officials will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve. In the meantime, Okmulgee County residents are reminded that safety must come first.
For more information or emergency alerts, follow Okmulgee County Emergency Management on social media or contact your local law enforcement agency.
