After weeks of relentless rain, the Deep Fork River is swollen and muddy, inching ever higher and leaving a trail of damage and uncertainty across Okmulgee County. What began as a series of heavy spring showers in mid-April has now turned into a full-fledged flooding emergency, prompting state and local leaders to act.

The region has absorbed over 17 inches of rain in April alone, a staggering amount that transformed drought-weary landscapes into saturated flood zones, overwhelming tin horns, washing out roads and causing rivers like the Deep Fork to rise beyond flood stage.

--- Timeline of the Storms & Flooding April 19-30 The first wave of storms struck Okmulgee County beginning April 19. Rain poured down steadily for days, and by the end of the month, emergency responders were already working around the clock to monitor vulnerable areas and assess initial road damages. Fields that were recently scorched by wildfires just weeks earlier were now submerged in standing water.

--- May 1-2

Warnings intensified. Okmulgee County Emergency Management (OCEM), led by Director Jeffrey Moore, issued repeated pleas to the public: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” The agency reported that even six inches of fast-moving water could sweep a car away. Several county roads were already compromised.

“Please remember,” Moore said, “never drive around barricades. They’re not there for decoration. They’re there to save your life.”

By May 2, the Deep Fork River near Beggs was forecast to crest at 25.5 feet - well above its 18-foot flood stage. OCEM crews began damage assessments and warned residents, especially near Dentonville Road, to prepare for closures.

--- May 3-4

The Deep Fork River continued rising. Drone footage captured by OCEM showed entire sections of countryside under water. By 6:15 p.m. on May 3, the river gauge registered 21.8 feet, though actual levels were likely higher due to earlier gauge malfunctions. Moderate flooding conditions were confirmed, with roads submerged and infrastructure under threat.

By May 4, the National Weather Service in Tulsa issued a Flood Warning through Thursday morning, forecasting a crest of 25.0 feet. At this level, county roads south of Beggs and northwest of Okmulgee were closed or impassable, and some homes risked isolation.

“We’re not anticipating evacuations right now,” Moore noted, “but if you live in a flood-prone area, be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.”

--- May 5

A state-level response was triggered.

Governor Kevin Stitt issued Amended Executive Order 2025-11, officially declaring a State of Emergency due to flooding, severe storms and heavy rainfall. Okmulgee County was included among nearly 40 counties across Oklahoma. The declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan, allowing for coordinated response efforts and access to state resources.

Moore’s office also confirmed Sharp Road’s northbound lane was closed due to a collapsed tin horn. The southbound lane remains open, but drivers were urged to use caution.

Early morning assessments showed the Deep Fork River was slowly beginning to recede, though additional rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday could lead to renewed flooding.

--- A County Pushed to the Brink

From washed-out roads to disappearing bridges, the flooding has revealed the fragility of rural infrastructure.

“All three county commissioners and their crews are working their tails off,” said OCEM in a May 3 post. “It will take time and a lot of funding to repair all the county roads that need to be addressed, but the effort is nonstop.”

Photos shared by the agency from April 2 through May 3 show a dramatic transformation: where dry creek beds once stood, now fast-moving brown water rushes through swollen ditches and across bridges, including the one on Dentonville Road.

The county’s emergency management team continues to urge residents to report washed out roads, missing tin horns and flood damage to assist crews in prioritizing repairs. Patience and caution remain vital as more rain is forecast.

“Even if there are no cones, no barricades, no dancing monkeys with flashing signs,” OCEM wrote bluntly, “Do not drive over water-covered roads.”

As of this week, floodwaters are expected to recede, but any additional rainfall may reignite emergency conditions.

--- Be Prepared

Residents are encouraged to:

• Have an evacuation plan ready

• Stay informed through weather alerts

• Avoid flooded roadways

• Report damage to the county

• Allow time for crews to repair roadways “We want to thank each and every one of you,” Moore said. “Your updates, photos and reports help us respond faster and smarter. Okmulgee County is strong - we’ve seen it before and we’re seeing it again.”

As the rain clouds linger and the river stubbornly inches along, Okmulgee County remains vigilant weathering the storm, one drop at a time.

--- Resources

• weather.gov/safety/flood

• Okmulgee County Emergency Management Facebook Page

• Oklahoma State Executive Order 2025-11